The administration and staff of the St. Croix Central High School will hold a dedication ceremony for the Ronald Alexander Charles Basketball Arena Gymnasium at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12. It will take place during the opening ceremonies of the St. Croix Central High School Varsity Invitational Basketball Tournament, which begins at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11, and continues through Presidents’ Day weekend. The event fulfills Act 6114, passed by the 21st Legislature, and recognizes the outstanding achievements of Charles while a student attending the high school and as a famous local athlete.
Charles was the starting center and teammate of Earvin “Magic” Johnson at Michigan State when the Spartans won the 1979 NCCA Championship. Following his graduation from Michigan State, he was drafted to the Chicago Bulls and later played professional basketball in Europe and South America. He continues to hold the record for international competition for scoring the most points (61) in a single game and is the only Crucian to play on a NCAA championship team.
Principal Chermaine Hobson-Johnson said, “The entire community is invited and encouraged to come out to celebrate our own Ronald Charles and support the Central High Caribs!”