Chase Robinson Celebrates 18th Birthday in Grand Fashion

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor

Lee High guard makes charitable donation to “Angels Among Us” fund

May 23, 2007 - A wise man once said: The character of a man is measured not by what he does, but by that which he doesn’t have to do, but does anyway.

That said wisdom must have been instilled into Chase Armani Robinson, the 18-year old, senior guard at Huntsville’s Lee High School, at an early age.

Robinson, who turned 18 this past Saturday, had a stylish party held at the Heritage Club, a supper club located in the heart of Huntsville’s downtown district. The event was attended by Chase’s family and friends, along with some special guests near and dear to his heart.

Chase is used to being showered with accolades, praise and attention, but on this evening a selfless Robinson refocused the attention from himself onto those who needed it far more than he

Chase Robinson has embraced the memory of classmates killed in 2006. (McDowell)

The evening dubbed “Celebrating Today, Building Tomorrow” was more than a birthday party; it was a celebration of love, life and togetherness.

In lieu of gifts, Chase asked well wishers to donate their monies, energies and efforts to the families of 36 survivors of the Lee High bus tragedy of November 2006. Three students lost their lives that fateful day.

“Chase and his family were really close to a number of students on that bus. In fact, Chase had three close friends that were fortunate to survive and it was the family’s way of giving back to them,” remarked Titus Newby, the event’s coordinator.

And give back they did. Donations were raised to exceed over $2,500 for the victims and a check was presented to “Angels Among Us” representative Teresa Brannum from Chase and his mom, Tameca Rogers. In turn, the organization presented Chase with an engraved sculpture to show their gratitude.

Robinson, ever the gracious guest of honor was almost speechless as he received this honor, while his mom was moved to tears.

“We knew from the beginning that this was what we wanted to do. It was the right thing to do because those young people meant so much,” said Rogers.

“It wasn’t about fanfare or hype; it was definitely about an appreciation for living and really how precious life really is.”

Chase is truly a special athlete, but even more a humble, special person. That characteristic will take him farther in life than the bouncing of any ball.

So here’s to Chase Robinson, the young man he is and the young man he’s about to become. All the best to you, you truly deserve it.