" A child that washes his hands clean, eats with kings and queen ", so says the African proverb as quoted in Chinua Achebe's " Things Fall Apart ". Someone that fits this depiction is Bexter Richardson of Silver springs, Maryland
Bexter graduated in the summer of 2007 from the Northwestern High School in Silver springs with high honors. His hard work earned him a four year scholarship at Sewanee University in Tennessee where he plans to study economy and theology. I remember Bexter as a playful little rascal who use to be my point of contact while I was dating his aunt who is now my wife. The idea of Bexter turning into a brilliant young man, and among the top three in his classes from the 10 th to the 12 th grades had never occurred to me.
In 2003, when he sought refuge in Ghana during the last phase of the Liberian civil war, his life was transformed. It was during this time that he also gave his life to Christ. He is not only a brilliant student but also a deeply religious kid. He owes the gratitude of his transformation to his aunt, Yvette Potter, who served as his role model. He also thanked his parents for not abandoning him in Africa at a time when most parents do.
I have no doubts that he will live up to fulfill his full potentials as I look forward to his college graduation in 2011.
By Jonathan Okutoro
June 1, 2007 |
