Nazeir James-Morrel

Nazeir James-Morrell is from Harrisburg High School and was nominated by Keisha Starling.

Nazeir has faced some significant challenges throughout his high school career. He was raised by a single mother who worked hard to make up for the absence of his father. Nazier also watched many friends and classmates choose the streets and, in turn, be incarcerated. However, the most impactful was the shooting death of his little brother. After the loss of his brother, Nazeir's grades started to decline and he no longer had the motivation on interest to do anything. His GPA went from a 2.75 to a .78. He completely stopped going to football practice and missed a lot of school because he did not want to face talking to his friends and peers about the loss of his brother. Throughout it all his mother was his number one advocate and supporter. She quickly got him the assistance he needed to support his grieving process.

On top of his brother's passing, Nazeir also faced his own personal trials that led him to be detaind. This experience, although not a great one, allowed him to focus and recommit to his personal goals. Through the support of his mother and his positive friends he was encouraged to never give in to the negativity again. Afterwards, Nazeir began going to school more consistently. He started going to football again and opening up to his friends. As his attitude improved so did his grades. Nazeir's GPA went from a .78 to a 2.2. Despite all the obstacles, he is still committed to make a positive impact on his community and ultimately society.

Nazeir will be attending Lock Haven University in the fall of 2018 to major in Psychology. He plans to be come a therapist and eventually a psychiatrist so that he can assist the youth in his community and help them deal with the pain and struggles they are faced with - just as he did. Congratulations, Nazeir!