In an effort to help our readers get acquainted with leaders who are making an impact in South Florida, we’re asking the kind of questions that make for interesting conversation at a neighborhood barbecue. This month we want to know what their children have to say, not what they think they will say…so we asked them to call them (If they don’t have a child, call someone they may have mentored) and ask them … What would the public or your friends be SURPRISED to learn about you? Here’s what we learned…

 

From his son Cam:

-Romney Rogers coached baseball, football and soccer for  his kids teams, Dwight and Cam, from ages 6 to 13.

-Romney Rogers is responsible for naming the mascot of Bethany Christian School in the early 90’s. He sealed the popular vote by dressing up like a cheerleader (pom poms and skirt) and chanting the fight song he wrote.

From his son Dwight:

– He’s a poet and has also been known to rap

– The only person I know to play both tennis and football in college

– He’s the guy you want to lease a car to as he may only put 7,000 miles on it in 3 years. He will take the Brightline if he has to drive more than a mile to get somewhere

– He can squirt water a good 15 feet from between his teeth. That split does wonders for his pool tricks!

– Although born and raised in Ft Lauderdale he is a ridiculously good snow skier!

– Still waiting for his first Hole In One

Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers Morris & Ziegler Llp

 

From her son, Isaiah (19): When my mom puts a plan in her heart, there is nothing that can get in the way to stop her going for it. Like homeschooling her 3 sons for 11 years. I’m grateful she didn’t give up and stayed motivated to help me reach my goal of accomplishing college classes during high school so I can graduate college early without debt!

From her son, Cyrus (17): Many people would be surprised to know that my mom has beyond impressive skills to balance the hardships of raising three teenage boys and pursue her vision of improving tomorrow’s youth at the same time! She is the true representation of a people changer and caregiver. My mother is an inspiration and one of the strongest woman I know.”

From her son, Shiloh (16): People should be surprised to know that my mom balances running the educational foundation she started with family and still makes time for mom stuff with her sons and her extended friends and family.

Dr. Andrea Hazim, Founder and President, Elev8Life educational foundation

 

This is what my mentee Tia Hankerson said: “Haha. I would be surprised to learn that you haven’t traveled in over a year because you were too busy eating chicken at home.”

To put that in context… I don’t eat meat and I love to travel!

Ariana Reid, Executive Director, Hope Women’s Centers

 

Daughter, Jenny: My dad has been slalom skiing for over 50 years! He instilled a love for the sport in me, and I can’t wait to teach my children!

Son, Will: My dad is a lawyer. Enough said. But seriously, even though he’s a lawyer he grew up in a way that caused him to understand the struggles and hardships a blue collar family goes through. But he is still a lawyer. ????

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott Attorneys

 

I am very close to my nephew Gage and he said to me:

– He wants to be an engineer and design cars (exactly what my dream was as a little kid.)

– He’s been to 13 countries J

– He also wants to be a United States Marine (because his dad served in the Corps.)

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 93

 

This response is from my Russian “daughter” Natalia Artamanova, who lived with me for four years, recently.

Deborah is my spiritual mom–many call her Mama Deb. She has traveled to 39 nations and housed young ladies (like me, from Russia,) from about 15 nations. Since our first meeting several years ago, she continues to surprise me with how culturally sensitive and diverse she is. She relates to Internationals on a deep level, making them feel “at home” in her home. In addition to praying for them and helping them in countless ways to cope in a new culture, she stays connected to each through the years, cheering them onward and upward in their journeys toward discovering how real and amazing our God is.

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

 

From his nephew Austin Smith: You growing up in Africa as a missionary kid must have something to do with you knowing about so many different subjects – flying, boating, motorcycles, photography, survival, engine maintenance, construction and teamwork

Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service

 

From her daughter, Nicole: People would be surprised to know that just one year after Mom’s breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgeries, she served on a short-term mission trip to Malawi, Africa. Her bravery and faith in God is an inspiration to our family!

From her daughter, Liz: While I was in high school it came as a shock to me when my mother announced to the family that she had become a born again Christian. Very soon after my mother was known as the strictest, most praying parent around. At that time I did not understand her ways and was somewhat rebellious. I can now say that it was the BEST decision she has ever made (besides having me and my siblings)!!! Love u Mom!

Gita Santangelo, Community Prayer Partner

 

From his 10-year-old daughter, Gabby: That he can drive to New York without stopping. That he is the only dad in the neighborhood that goes outside to play with us every day.

Kevin Enders, President, 4KIDS of South Florida

 

From her son Jefferson Mullins: Most people wouldn’t know my mom (Julie Mullins) is a great athlete. In high school and college she played basketball, volleyball and softball. She can still outshoot me!

Julie Mullins, Pastors, Christ Fellowship

 

From her son Justin: My mom lives at the beach but is terrified of the Ocean.

From her daughter Lindsay: My mom is super clumsy, runs into everything in sight.

Linda Giambattista, Executive Director, Taylor’s Closet

 

From her 21-year-old son, Christopher: While my mom is the greatest mom in the world, what people don’t know about her is that she is the world’s most annoying person to watch a movie with.  But, I still love her.

Oksana Horton, Artistic Director, Revelation Ministries

 

Most people would be surprised that one of  my father’s pass time is to go fishing with his children. Which has taught me,Tarakiki, to understand how to provide for myself as well as my family. And if the catch was small, my father showed us how to share the catch with one another.

O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center

 

From Mai Lyn Colangelo. My mom played violin in an orchestra that did back up for one of Chuck Mangione’s albums.

Patricia Colangelo, Ed.S., Florida Director of Operations, Trinity International University

 

13-year-old Homeschool student, Samuel Seeman was given an assignment for Bible class to write about someone he felt lived a life of Godly wisdom. First on his list where his parents then he wrote: “Coach Rick lives a life of godly wisdom…. he doesn’t have a strong job, he doesn’t have a ton of money, instead he does things wise in God’s eyes. He teaches kids about Jesus and goes to other countries to play Sports with kids, and he loves God. From him I have learned two things: first, sometimes you have to take a risk and do something that in the world’s  eyes seems silly; and second when you do that, God makes everything work out, usually with a MIRACLE. If I was going to be like anyone I would be like Coach Rick!”

From his stepdaughter Zoë (18): Rick is one of the kindest people I know. He likes to put people first and is compassionate and caring. He is also a lot of fun and makes people laugh. He is really nice and loves his job.

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder/President, SAINTS International Sports Ministry and SAINTS of Florida Homeschool P.E.

 

See below from my daughter Charity. I used to do a lot of street performing and when I passed the hat, I would always say “all this money goes to Charity; that’s my daughter’s name.”

Your favorite food is a vanilla milkshake.

You have been to a Bigfoot and a UFO convention.

You won’t get rid of your old car because it has a cassette tape player.

Dr. Sam Lamerson, Professor of New Testament, Knox Theological Seminary

 

My close friends would know this, but what most people wouldn’t know is that I’m actually what I would call a moderate introvert. I don’t need to take breaks from crowds and go hide from people (though it’s tempting at times and I totally understand why some people do!), but I definitely don’t need (or want) to be the center of attention. That may seem odd for someone who spends a lot of time talking from a stage, but it is nevertheless the case. I much prefer one on one, or small groups, to big crowds. I can do both (and I can enjoy both), but that’s my preference. And I do need alone time for sure!

Tom Hendrikse, Pastor, Rio Vista Community Church

 

From our son Sean: I don’t think anyone would be surprised about who my Mom is because she is real and genuine and honest, and in a loving way she says what she means.

Virlee “Vee” S. Stepelton, Ministry Advocate