Youth Appreciation Award: Determined to succeed

NEWS > YOUTH & SCHOOLS

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Feb. 15, 2011

Both in and out of the classroom, 13-year-old Marcquise Kennedy-Best treats others with kindness and courtesy, and it has earned him the respect of his peers. The eighth grader at Norris S. Barratt School, 1599 Wharton St., has a discipline and humility that will surely lead to future successes.

“He is a conscientious student and a respectful young man,” his seventh-grade reading and English teacher Jamie Merlino said. “He comes from a wonderful and caring family where Mom attends every meeting involving school. He has never been suspended and keeps a clean discipline folder, which can be a challenge in and of itself at his age.”

Marcquise, a resident of the 1800 block of South 19th Street, credits his mother, Theresa Kennedy, as a role model and the inspiration behind his dedicated work ethic. Marcquise has learned from his mother the important values of hard work and kindness that will guide him throughout his future.

“She sets excellent examples for me and gets me the important things I need, like school supplies,” he said.

In addition to his near-perfect attendance and non-existent discipline record, Marcquise has an excellent grade point average, especially in science, and has an array of after-school talents. He competes as a defender on the football team, loves to play chess, excels on an award-winning tennis team and, of course, enjoys playing his Xbox 360.

“... he wouldn’t be a true teenager if didn’t love video games,” Merlino said.

Marcquise, who shows the ability to handle a full schedule and stay focused in school, aspires to be an architect to improve Philadelphia’s communities and design beautiful homes.

“Marcquise stands out in our school because he has excellent attendance, respect towards staff and a determination to be successful, which is definitely in his future.”

Marcquise Kennedy-Best will receive a $150 savings bond. If you are a teacher or full-time educator and would like to nominate a student (first through 12th grades), call 215-336-2500 ext. 117 or e-mail editor@southphillyreview.com.

To see more outstanding youngsters, visit the Youth Appreciation Award photo gallery.