Richmond’s student-athletes stepped into the spotlight at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center on Dec. 4 at the 2nd Annual Maxie Awards Banquet. The event honored the city’s best players and coaches, blending pride, celebration and community spirit.

The event, organized by Clarence Kenney of Noah Renaissance, recognized athletes and coaches from John Marshall, Armstrong, Huguenot, and Thomas Jefferson high schools. 

 Jah’kei Chavis of Armstrong High School received the Player of the Year Trophy and was named to the 2024 Maxie Offensive Team during the Maxie Awards Banquet on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The event honoring the city’s top student-athletes took place at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center in Church Hill.
 

With about 50 people in attendance, the evening combined dinner, a motivational speech and awards to highlight the achievements of Richmond Public Schools football players.

Founded in 2023 by Kenny, the awards are named after Maxie C. Robinson, a legendary Armstrong High School football coach who led the program for 40 years. Kenney, an Armstrong alumnus, created the awards to honor Richmond’s past and motivate young athletes to excel in sports and life.

  

Kenney personally funded this year’s banquet, contributing $3,000 of his own money due to a lack of sponsorships.

He added that it is important to “bring attention to city kids” and expressed hope that recognizing these players for their achievements would inspire them to stay motivated and succeed.

The evening began with dinner at 7:30 p.m. followed by opening remarks and a keynote address from Alvin Parker, head football coach at Virginia Union University. Parker, a former VUU running back, encouraged the athletes to focus on making choices that would lead to success.

“Make the choices that are going to get you to where you want to be,” he said.