(EDITOR’S NOTE: This FACE TO FACE” column by Felicity Darville was published in The Tribune on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.)
By FELICITY DARVILLE
NASSAU, Bahamas — Some educators come into the lives of children and leave such an impact on them that they are never forgotten. Deacon Leviticus Lewis Joseph Adderley was one of them. As the beloved principal of St. Augustine’s College for many years, he impacted the lives of countless SAC students, molding nation leaders and global influencers. Deacon Adderley was affectionately called ‘Dad’, ‘Uncle Lou’, ‘Uncle’, and ‘Deac’ by those who knew and loved him. He was a mentor to many and a friend to thousands.
I had an opportunity to speak with his daughter, Daria, this weekend, as the St Augustine’s College Alumni Association (SACAA) gears up to host “The Unca Lou Charity Golf Tournament” on June 11. It is so encouraging to know that she is walking in her father’s footsteps — using education, sports, and faith to shape the next generation. She is the Physical Education Teacher and Coach at SAC, where she has served for 21 years.
An avid lover of soccer, Daria is actively involved in the Cavalier Football Club. She is Coordinator of the Youth Programme and Director of the Girls and Women’s Programme. She was recently named the Head Coach of the Women’s National Beach Soccer Team.
With all that going on, just like her father, Daria makes time to build a strong Christian walk. She attends St Anselm’s Roman Catholic Church and reads and lectors there.
“My father had a great legacy being an educator and coach,” she told me. “Through these areas, he became a disciplinarian who always gave of his time and talents, looking for nothing in return. These are the attributes I am led by when it comes to me, whether teaching physical education at SAC, coaching after school sports, coaching soccer with Cavalier Football Club and coaching in the Bahamas Football Association Women’s Programme.”
The day we spoke, ironically I had turned off of Carmichael Road West to drive south and came across Uncle Lou Adderley Estates housing subdivision. I passed Bernard, Seton, Leonard and Alcuin Lanes. That took me down memory lane, as those are the names of the sporting houses at SAC.
Uncle Lou impacted my life for the better. I am happy to have had the opportunity to come under his tutelage during the last years he spent at SAC full time, when I was still a junior high school student and all-around athlete.
Uncle Lou really touched people’s lives in a special way. He exuded a dignified presence with a genuine smile and eyes that revealed how much he believed in each child. To us as students, he was larger than life, and a father figure we could depend on.
“He left something in people that cannot be erased,” said Cherelle Cartwright, SACAA President.
“It started out as school pride for all who attended St. Augustine’s College in New Providence, Bahamas. But every SAC student who was graced by the presence of this giant of a man was left with something even greater than pride. They were left with love.”
“He loved his students so much that he became known as ‘Unca Lou’, and became a father figure, a mentor, a teacher. a coach, and a confidante.”
Uncle Lou had a vision for a multi-sports complex for SAC. The complex was to comprise a running track, softball fields and a multi-purpose gymnasium. His passing on May 24, 2003, put this dream on hold. Presently, a group of alumni whose lives he impacted, formed a committee to organize and stage the “Unca Lou” Adderley Charity Golf Tournament, which will become an annual event. Proceeds will aid funding for the completion of the complex to help make his dream a reality.”
SACAA is inviting people to register for the tournament, which is designed as a 2 person scrabble, net score tournament with a minimum of 7 drives per player. Tee off time begins with a shotgun start at 8am. Lots of prizes are in the works, including a brand new BMW or Toyota Highlander for the first hole in one on hole number 3. The event will bring together people from all walks of life in honour of Uncle Lou, Deacon Leviticus Adderley. See complete Felicity Darville column in The Tribune at http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/may/24/face-face-legacy-uncle-lou/
