LIMA — Lima Senior High School student Kaleb Russell was one of four students in northwest Ohio to receive the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity scholarship, which recognizes African-American students with the highest academic ranking at their schools.
“I felt pretty honored by it,” said Russell, a senior at Lima Senior. “I never expected to walk into the [school] office one day and have them tell me I’m going to get a $1,000 scholarship.”
Russell was nominated by the high school’s guidance counselors based on his GPA, class rank and extracurricular involvement. Russell maintains a 3.9 GPA, is ranked near the top 10 in his class, wrestled varsity for three years and was involved in a dance marathon to raise money for children’s hospital bills.
Last month, Russell joined students from Piqua, Sidney and Troy high schools at a banquet to commemorate this award. At the banquet, Russell received his scholarship check along with a plaque that had his name inscribed.
“That was a fun experience,” he said. “My parents got to come with me, and they were very excited and proud.”
For Russell, making his parents proud is one of his top priorities. He said that his parents instilled in him a desire to achieve academic success at an early age, and have continued to support him throughout his schooling.
“They paid for any books that I asked for and any of the college classes I wanted to take,” he said. “They told me to take every opportunity that I’m given to get the best education possible.”
Russell has taken college courses each year of his high school career. With all the college credit he has earned, Russell said he will likely begin college as a sophomore.
Though he is still unsure if he wants to attend Ohio University or Miami University, Russell knows for certain he wants to pursue a degree that will allow him to help people.
“I’m considering going into law because I think that will allow me to help people get past any barriers that may make it difficult for them to have a nice life,” he said. “I want to help people who can’t help themselves.”
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