September 2024 - Dennis Roberts
For our September Local Legends winner, we would like to congratulate Dennis Roberts!
Dennis is a 1984 graduate of Iaeger High School. He has spent most of his life in McDowell County as a coal miner while raising his family here. Growing up, sports would be a good outlet for him. He would go on to excel at basketball in high school. With the way sports had impacted his childhood, Dennis knew that he wanted to give back to the youth in the area. “I enjoy teaching kids the fundamentals, sportsmanship, and helping them learn teamwork. Which will hopefully help them succeed in life later on down the road.”
Aside from leading the Sandy River District Little League, Dennis also spent time as a coach. Not only would he lead players, but he would also ensure that the players had rides and food. He says that he makes sure that the kids are taken care of because he likes helping others. “I enjoy seeing them grow into successful adults who will maybe do the same for others and our community. Ours kids do not have a lot of things to do in our area. I do what I do to give them a place to come make friends. We don’t get a lot help in our area and don’t have the facilities some other places have so I do what I can to help them out.”
Dennis says that seeing kids having fun, becoming better athletes, and learning new skills makes it all worthwhile for him. Many of Dennis’s former players have returned to volunteer in their communities and coach as well.
When presented with the news of being named a Local Legend, Dennis said that he is “very honored and humbled. It makes me happy to know that it does not go unnoticed and it is appreciated. Makes me proud to be from McDowell County.” He encourages everyone to volunteer when you can. No matter how small or big it may be. “You will get more than you could ever imagine from it. If we don’t help and volunteer for our kids then who will? They are our most precious things and our future!”
Congrats, Dennis! You are truly a Local Legend!
August 2024 - Jason and Tiffany England
For our first Local Legends, we’d like to recognize Tiffany and Jason England!
Tiffany grew up in Panther while Jason grew up in Sandy Huff. They started dating while attending Iaeger High School. McDowell County is where they met, fell in love, and got baptized. It’s also where they bring their children back to enjoy its beauty and family feeling.
They said “Supporting McDowell County is something that was instilled in the two of us from our parents and grandparents. Both of our families were very involved in the community in several different ways such as owning businesses in McDowell, being involved in the school systems as teachers, coaches, and other personnel, and being involved in so many community programs.” Growing up the couple was proud to be a big part of the community and they have created that same appreciation for McDowell County in their children, Cutler and Harper. They’ve spent most of their adult life giving back to several organizations in McDowell County and will forever be involved in building up the county that they love.
The couple chooses to volunteer because of their faith. Tiffany said “the Bible says to be devoted to one another in love and use whatever gifts you have to serve others. We try to live our lives to show God’s grace and mercy. Nothing is more important than devoting your time to helping someone in need, whether it be an individual or an organization. When we help others, there’s also a sense of fulfillment. To us, it’s so important to follow what God calls us to do for one, but also to help someone who maybe cannot find it anywhere else. To be a light to just one person so that they may see Jesus through you is fulfillment to us.”
When the couple was told that they would be our inaugural Local Legends, they stated that they felt “undeserving, but so incredibly proud and humbled by this recognition. The More LIFE Foundation was immediately an organization that we were proud of. The children of McDowell County deserve the same opportunities as anyone else in the state. There is a great need for leadership and encouragement in all youth today…”
One piece of advice about serving our communities that they would like to share is “to give back with a big heart! At one time, someone volunteered for something that helped mold and shape you, so now it’s your turn. Show up and be ready to put in time, love, even some dollars. You will never regret a decision to help others and grow the Kingdom of Heaven. That’s a reward that you want to earn!”
Thank you, Tiff and Jay! You guys are truly Local Legends!
