Three members of Kappa Alpha Psi included in Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School’s Inaugural Hall of Fame Class.

Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School  held their inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony . This historic occasion recognized individuals whose dedication, leadership, athletic achievements, and commitment to student development that help shaped the legacy of the schools athletics.  Among the honorees were three members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. The honorees represent different generations of achievement and service:

• The late Brother John W. Modest, Jr. — Fall 1983 initiate of the  Boston (MA) Alumni Chapter. Entered Chapter Invisible on February 25, 2016.

• Brother William A. Powell — Fall 1997 initiate of the Smithfield (NC) Alumni Chapter and current Polemarch of the Raleigh (NC) Alumni Chapter.

• Brother Ronnie Taylor —  Spring 2002 initiate of the UNC Greensboro Chapter the Mu Iota  of Kappa Alpha Psi.

Together, their stories illustrate the lasting influence of educators, athletic leaders, coaches, and former student-athletes who helped build Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School’s tradition of excellence.

The late Brother John W. Modest, Jr.

Brother John W. Modest, Jr. served as the first principal of Southeast Raleigh High School.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Northeastern University and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from North Carolina Central University. He also pursued graduate studies at Harvard University, North Carolina State University, and Northeastern University.

Throughout his distinguished career, Brother Modest served in several school systems, including Cambridge Public Schools in Massachusetts, the Wake County Public School System , Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Guilford County Schools , and the Houston Independent School District in Texas.

His leadership roles included counselor, assistant principal, principal, and regional superintendent. He served as principal of West Charlotte High School and later led Worthing High School in Houston, Texas. His work reflected a commitment to educational opportunity, effective school leadership, and improved student outcomes.

Brother Modest earned significant recognition throughout his career. He was named Wake County Middle School Principal of the Year and was selected twice as North Carolina PTA Educator of the Year. He was also recognized as the only principal in North Carolina to have served at two schools that received the prestigious Governor’s Award.

Brother William A. Powell

Brother William A. Powell left an indelible mark on Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School through his service as an educator, athletic director, and coach from 1997 to 2006. Brother Powell a former UNC Greensboro basketball team captain always has been a natural leader. His contributions helped establish a foundation of athletic excellence and created opportunities for student-athletes to succeed on and off the playing field.  As a Business Education teacher, Brother Powell taught Keyboarding, Computer Applications, and Business Law. He also played a pivotal role in the growth and development of Bulldog Athletics.

As Athletic Director from 1998 to 2003, Brother Powell helped elevate Southeast Raleigh’s athletic programs to statewide prominence. Under his leadership, the school earned the North Carolina Sportsmanship Award in 2002 and 2003 and finished as runner-up for the Wachovia Cup in 2003, recognizing excellence across its athletic programs.

His impact was particularly evident as Head Women’s Basketball Coach. During his tenure, he recorded more than 150 career victories while building a championship culture for the Southeast Raleigh Lady Bulldogs.

His teams captured multiple conference championships, conference tournament titles, and sectional championships, while also making regional appearances.

The highlight of his coaching career came during the 1998–1999 season, when Southeast Raleigh captured the NCHSAA 4A State Championship.

Brother Powell’s dedication to student-athletes extended beyond basketball. He also served as Head Women’s Fast Pitch Softball Coach, Head Men’s Tennis Coach, and Head Men’s Golf Coach.

Brother Ronnie Taylor

Brother Taylor played basketball for UNC Greensboro from 2000 to 2004. During his freshman season (2000–2001), he was part of the Spartans squad that went to the NCAA Tournament, playing in the West Region first-round matchup against Stanford. 

After graduating from UNC Greensboro in 2004, Brother Taylor went on to enjoy a lengthy professional overseas career, playing in various countries including Germany, France, Hungary, Lebanon, Qatar, Slovakia, and the Dominican Republic.

His journey reflects the determination, discipline, and perseverance required to turn athletic talent into a sustained professional career.

Brother Taylor’s impact extends beyond his accomplishments as a player. He has expanded his work into entrepreneurship, media, culture, youth development, and philanthropy, using his basketball experience to create opportunities for others.

As Founder and CEO of Taylor Sports Group and We Them Ones, Brother  Taylor has established himself as a contributor to the basketball and sports-development communities. Brother Taylor’s work in NBA skills training and player development reflects a continued commitment to helping athletes refine their abilities, strengthen their understanding of the game, and reach their full potential.

Through his professional experience and entrepreneurial ventures, he has connected basketball, business, and youth development.

Brother Taylor’s story demonstrates that athletic success is not limited to wins, statistics, or championships. It can also be measured by the opportunities created for others, the knowledge shared with the next generation, and the positive influence an individual has beyond the playing arena.

About Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School

Founded in 1997, Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School (SRMHS) is part of the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), one of the largest public school districts in North Carolina and the United States.