More Than a Score: How Southside Academy is Transforming Rocky Mount Families One Lesson at a Time

ROCKY MOUNT, NC — For many parents, choosing a school is a search for a community that feels like home. For Furnikkia Strickland, the decision to enroll her children at Southside Academy was about finding an environment where her children could be seen, known, and supported. Today, she credits the school not just with her children’s academic growth, but with a transformation that has reached the very heart of her family life.

When Strickland first walked into Southside Academy, she was looking for an educational setting that prioritized individualized attention and smaller class sizes. What she found during the admissions process surprised her.

"They didn’t only ask us about academics," Strickland recalled. "They asked us about our families. They asked if there was anything we wanted them to pray about—our morals, our goals. They wanted to know us personally."

That personal investment paid off quickly for her daughter, Rakaysha, now a third grader. Since starting at Southside in kindergarten, Rakaysha has blossomed. Strickland notes that her daughter has excelled in her studies and developed a genuine confidence in the classroom.

Finding a Voice

The impact has been perhaps even more profound for Strickland’s son, currently in kindergarten. Before entering "big kids' school," he faced significant hurdles with communication, motor skills, and emotional regulation. Strickland shared that he often struggled to socialize and found it difficult to connect with others.

The change after just two months at Southside Academy was night and day.

"By the second month, my son was so open," Strickland said. "Before, he would tell people to go away. Now he says, 'Hey, my name is Kaysaun. I’m in kindergarten, nice to meet you!'"

By providing individualized learning centers and specialized support, the school met him exactly where he was. Rather than being sidelined by his challenges, he was given the tools to thrive alongside his peers.

"At Southside Academy, he’s just like everyone else," she said. "He has the tools to stay calm and catch his breath. He’s sounding out letters. Even my family is amazed—at one point we didn’t know what he was saying, and now we can understand him."

A Foundation of Faith

The school’s mission—to foster hope in God within under-resourced areas of Rocky Mount by providing a God-centered education—is more than a slogan for the Strickland family. It has become a bridge between the classroom and the living room.

Strickland described a recent evening where her five-year-old son, who had only recently found his voice, asked to lead the family in prayer. He chose Psalm 91.

"The things my children are learning at school, they bring home to me," Strickland said. "They are teaching me things about the Bible I didn't know. It’s making my family closer."

A Night of Wit and Wisdom: Mark Roberts to Emcee!

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Trivia Night will be hosted by a true North Carolina media legend: Mark Roberts!

Best known to many as a longtime personality on WRAL-TV, Mark is the energetic and witty host of the high school academic challenge, "Brain Game." With decades of experience as a news reporter and "Trafficologist," Mark brings a unique blend of humor, professionalism, and high energy to the stage. Having spent years applauding classroom success stories and pitting the area's brightest minds against each other, there is no one better equipped to lead us through our "smartest decades" challenge. Get ready for a night of big laughs and fast-paced fun as Mark guides us through our mission to support Southside students!

Support the Mission: Trivia Night Fundraiser

To continue providing this level of individualized, God-centered education to families in Nash and Edgecombe counties, Southside Academy is hosting its annual Multigenerational Trivia Night. Community members are invited to gather "the best mix of minds" to compete for cash prizes while supporting the school’s future and sustainability.

Event Details:

• When: Friday, February 6th at 7:00 PM

• Where: Rise Church (3520 Bishop Rd, Rocky Mount, NC)

• The Cost: $100 for a team of four.

• The Reward: Entry plus access to a spectacular Dessert Bar.

• Ticket Deadline: All tables must be purchased by January 23rd.

• Silent Auction: An online silent auction loaded with local items opens on January 23rd and runs through the event. To donate an item, contact Morgan at morgan@twincountymedia.com.

How to Get Involved

Your participation helps secure the future for students like Rakasia and her brother.

• Register Your Team: Click Here to Register for Trivia Night https://givebutter.com/c/mR57Dz 

• Can’t Attend? You can still make a massive impact. If you are unable to join us for the event, please consider making a donation to support the mission at www.southside.academy.

For Furnikkia Strickland, the value of the school is found in the confidence her children now carry. "I love that school," she said. "I want people to know that there is support here... and there are people who truly care about your child’s future."