Kiski School Honors First African American Graduate with Classroom Dedication

 

SALTSBURG, PA, September 6, 2023 (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — In a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Raoul Davis Sr. ’50, the school’s first African-American graduate, a newly refurbished classroom will be dedicated in his memory. The dedication ceremony, marked by a ribbon-cutting event, will take place on September 12, 2023, and will be attended by Mr. Davis’ three children: Tierney Hogan, Rianna Davis-Gaetano, and Raoul Davis Jr.

 

“We are honored to recognize the memory of Raoul Davis Sr. as a Kiski trailblazer but also as a remarkable student,” said Head of School Chris Brueningsen. Mr. Davis Sr., who hailed as the Salutatorian of Garnet High School in Charleston, WV, embarked on his journey at Kiski for a post-graduate year. He not only excelled academically, finishing in the top 10% of his class but also showcased his prowess by participating in three sports and earning the title of Kiski’s Poet Laureate. After Kiski, he pursued higher education, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Central State and a Master of Arts in Recreational Administration from Columbia University.

 

Throughout his life, Mr. Davis Sr. maintained a strong connection with Kiski, often writing to the school to share updates about his award-winning career and accomplishments. He founded the Urban League of Long Island, served as Executive Director of The Urban League of Albany, and he served with distinction as a manager of relations for the New York State Government, overseeing significant contracts for the state park system. In 1992, he expressed his pride as the first African-American graduate of Kiski in a letter to Mr. Zachary Vlahos, the then-Director of Alumni Affairs. He highlighted his joy in witnessing the accomplishments of other students of color who followed in his footsteps.

 

As Kiski opens its 136th school year, the dedication of the Raoul Davis Sr. ’50 Classroom stands as a testament to the school’s commitment to honoring its diverse history, celebrating trailblazers, and providing exceptional educational facilities for generations to come.

 

For more information, please contact the Kiski School Advancement Office: advancement@kiski.org or 724-639-8029. School Website: www.kiski.org