Southwood Elementary's Roxanne Adams has been a staple in the South Side educational landscape, dedicating over thirty years to shaping the minds and lives of her sixth-grade students, an effort that has not gone unnoticed in the community, with her commitment to teaching extending beyond academics, as she has become a symbol of hope and a pillar of support for many students facing challenges. Adams told Columbus City Schools that her goal is to be "that person that my students need, that they're missing in their life," providing a safe space akin to what school was for her.
A product of Columbus City Schools herself, Adams' journey from literacy advocate in her own home, teaching her mother to read and write, to cherished educator has solidified her belief in education as a powerful lever for change, she never left the South Side after starting at Reeb Elementary which later closed, but her passion didn't wane, she continued at Southwood instilling confidence in her students and telling them "your zip code does not define you," she sees a reflection of herself in her students and, understands the need for her presence. Moving through the classroom, she addresses both scholastic and personal challenges her students face, once buying new shoes for a child in need, ensuring, as with all her students, that the individual does not fall through the cracks, nurturing dreams and emphasizing the value of hard work and education—values echoed by Kimberly Wolford, a former student turned realtor, who credits Adams with providing the focus she needed to succeed in school when she could have easily become "just another statistic."
This teacher's influence weaves through the fabric of the community, her contributions resonate with multiple generations, her role in the lives of her students and their families extends far beyond the confines of her classroom, Adams connects families to resources, smoothens transitions for newcomers and provides quiet support to those who need it most, showcasing the significance of these bonds, Wolford recently returned the favor by assisting Adams in finding a new home, reflecting on the joy of working with her former teacher, Wolford said through Columbus City Schools, "It was a fun experience to show her houses and reminisce on when she was my teacher." Adams' approach to education has earned the admiration of her current students too, with sentiments such as from Aniya Leonard who said, "She has really helped me by showing me how to become a leader," and Isabelle Fields who felt "seen and heard because of Ms. Adams," Bryce Marcum appreciating her ever-present support, "If we needed her, she would always be there for us," and Jayden Huffman expressing the value she holds as an educator, "I think she is the best teacher anyone could have."
