At the top of his game
When sixth-grader Lamin Fulton earns points, it's not just because he plays basketball.
It's also because he impresses his teachers at St. Thomas Aquinas School, 1719 Morris St., with his character and helpful ways.
"Lamin has strong leadership skills. He is always willing to assist other students," notes teacher Yvonne Matherson. "He is friendly, hardworking, well-behaved and confident."
Through his consistent hard work, the 13-year-old also has helped himself to a host of academic awards. Lamin, who excels in language arts, earned first honors last semester and maintains the highest GPA in his class, his teacher says.
Unlike many of his peers, the youth actually enjoys doing research, which is key to much of his academic success, Matherson says.
Lamin, of the 1300 block of South 29th Street, learned to be a leader by following one: his dad, Lamin Sr. The teen describes his father as "very helpful and caring."
Between his athletic and academic talents, Lamin might have just what it takes to get into Duke University, the college of his choice, where he wants to major in computer engineering.
Of course, he still has to get through six more years of school, but it seems as if all of Lamin's goals will be a slam-dunk. SPR
Lamin Fulton 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. 120 or e-mail editor@southphillyreview.com.
Southern has a sisterhood
Female students at South Philadelphia High School, Broad Street and Snyder Avenue, can benefit from Sisters' Sanctuary, a unique personal-empowerment organization.
The group aims to teach girls growing up in the hip-hop generation how to look out for themselves. Sisters' Sanctuary will conduct student-based weekly workshops for at-risk youth at Southern and two other city high schools.
The workshops will focus on drug and alcohol prevention, conflict resolution, youth mentoring, peer leadership and prevention of targeted students' at-risk behaviors. Sisters' Sanctuary is a partnering organization with Philly native Jill Scott's Blues Babe Foundation.
Doing justice to poetry
Katherine White, a senior at Furness High School, has been awarded first place in the NAACP ACT-SO (Afro Cultural Technology-Scientific Olympics) competition in poetry. The contest was open to all Philadelphia public, parochial and charter high-school students.
Lamin Fulton knows all too well about humility. Having spent his entire academic life in Catholic schools, he has learned of its rewards and pride’s snares. Next year, however, life will introduce the Ss. Neumann-Goretti senior to a wicked case of irony when he pushes the ball for St. Peter’s College.
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