Rochester Step-Off 2008 by Kevin R. Scott
Thu, Jun 19, 2008  “The Rochester Step-Off Program (RSO) is a nine month program, not a nine week program,” reminds Patricia Mason, director of the once grassroots effort that provides academic and social foundations for local inner city youth centered around the indigenous African American art of form of stepping.
Mason is nearing the end of RSO’s 14th season. The organization’s 14th Annual Step-Off competition was held this past Saturday (June 14th) at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester where local step teams not only competed for ranking and team trophies, but also celebrated the culmination of nearly a year long effort of planning, team building, academic activities and community service. In addition, scholarships were awarded to all participating seniors. This year RSO was able to offer graduating seniors a minimum scholarship of $500 each.
Adhering to the mantra of its founders, RSO is committed to changing “the image and experience of new generation youth, to encourage them to complete their education and prepare under-served youth for self-sufficiency as adults.”
“The true purpose of the program was to give Rochester’s inner city youth a chance at a college education. The program was inspired by the movie School Daze,” says Mason. “Around the time the movie School Daze was released, it was one of the first times kids got acclimated to stepping. After seeing the movie, kids all around the neighborhoods were stepping, so a few of the community members thought about creating a program that used stepping as a vehicle or motivation for students to do well in high school and pursue a college education.”
Throughout the academic school year, Mason and her colleagues liaison with each individual participating school on a monthly basis to support the step teams with academic tutoring, college preparatory workshops and knowledge sharing. “We meet students where they are academically. We provide them with resources or introduce them to resources that will help them succeed in high school. When it comes to college preparation provided by Rochester Step-Off, we provide the students with opportunities to interact with college students whether it be alumni of the schools or currently matriculating students. We conduct college tours, we offer workshops on everything from how to apply to college, to expectations if their intent is to attend a historically black college, to what to expect when living in a dorm room away from home for the first time.”
To have a step team recognized by RSO, each individual school must agree to allow RSO the time and space to engage their students. Stepping isn’t officially recognized as a sport by the Rochester City School District therefore each participating school makes a commitment to both RSO and their own students to fulfill the necessary obligations.
Each student involved with RSO must maintain a 2.25 grade point average or work to meet the grade point average requirement each marking period. “We also look for students to increase in other areas such as comments on their report cards, truancy and attendance – we monitor all of those things,” says Mason.
Cultural development is also a key part of the program. RSO offers workshops throughout the year for students for cultural competency and sensitivity. In addition to the workshops, each student must complete four community service projects per year. “Community partnerships are key. We ask that all of our teams partner with a community agency. This is done because we believe the more resources a student has the more likely he or she is gonna succeed.”
Although there is a lot of community support and attention rallied around the annual Step-Off competition, Mason is sure to remind everyone that the efforts of RSO and the students involved are far from just pulling off a step show.
“Each young person that steps on stage to step in June has earned the right to be there. They aren’t given the right to be there. They have to earn it through grades and community service. We want to acknowledge and celebrate the students for the things that they accomplish and the annual Step-Off is an opportunity for us to do that.”
This year’s first place winners are:
Division A Male: Edison Technical High School
Division A Female: Wilson Commencement
Division B Female: School Without Walls
Division C Coed: #58 School
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I think that Rochester Step-Off was great and organized....kudoos to the youth, advisors, and friends who were inspirational in making it happen.
The article was both well written and informative. Congratulations on the event and making the front page of an outstanding newspaper
James
I was not aware of all involved in the step-off. It is great to see the service required, something our young people need. Pat and crew, keep up the good work
Brenda Wilson
the step off was aswome
i love the rso they have helped me also as an edison tech stepper they made sure we had the dedication and determination not to only step but persue a college education. Thankyou for everything and please continue the legacy.
Kwame Bell(Edison Tech)
The Rochester Step Off is a Great Program! 2 of my children particaped for 4 years (Douglass and Wilson) Both of them went on and graduated and attended college. I even volunteered and enjoyed helping just as much as they enjoyed stepping.
Thanks Pat,ABC, and the Step off committee.
mike perry
5 Years ago I step in the Rochester Step Off For John Marshall High School it was a fun experince for me. At the end of the Show we was rewarded 1st Place in the High School Male Divison that was the Happiest day Of my life and I Will Never Foget it
Mike
the rochester step off is one of the greatest organizations ever. as a stepper ive grown from an adolesent into an adult. the step off along with my advisor(ms.andrews-rose&sarah dickinson,edison tech)has helped me develope all the skills neccesary to attend college. i bobby bogan (former captain of edison 2007-2008)would like to thank louisette andrews-rose, and sarah dickinson,and all r.s.o staff for every skill developement class we have take....im surely using them in college
THE ROCHESTER STEP OFF HAS BEEN A GREAT HELP!
bobby bogan(edison tech)
I love the Rochester Step off its the greatest organizations ever & Patricia M. Mason she help me so much in life on & off the stage she & her Family are still a big part of my life. love you Patricia M. Mason
Jamie Solomon
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