Student from ABHMS partnering agency garners national media attention
A student from an American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) Rizpah’s Children partnering agency has garnered national media attention for his scholastic achievement. Taran Richardson, 18, whose Boy Scouts of America troop meets at the Leadership and Legacy Academy at Edna Martin Christian Center (EMCC), Indianapolis, has been featured on the “NBC [TV] Nightly News” with Lester Holt and in the “USA Today” newspaper for being accepted to 65 colleges and universities.
“It is a wonderful recognition and an indicator of a great future for Mr. Richardson,” says Julian Edwards, a family success coach at EMCC. “When youth across the country can see this success, it will, in turn, inspire, encourage and motivate them to pursue their own goals, their own dreams and their own vision.”
A graduate of Charles A. Tindley Accelerated High School, Indianapolis, Richardson was offered more than $1 million in scholarships. He chose Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Not only was he salutatorian for and president of the class of 2020, but he also worked part-time at Walmart; was a member of the National Honor Society; participated in track, cross country, soccer, basketball and show choir; and did community service through the Lions Club. In addition, the member of Troop 959 recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout by helping to build a broadcast studio with the community organization Stop the Violence.
Also the host of Boy Scout troop 123, EMCC has witnessed the ascension of six other young men to Eagle Scout rank.
“Taran and the other six scouts are definitely role models for the youth at EMCC,” notes Edwards. “One of Edna Martin’s core desires for the youth in our community is to help them realize their potential—that throughout any challenge that they face, they are people who don’t have to wait to grow up. They can be a positive agent of change in their community in their youth.”
Additional information about ABHMS’ Rizpah’s Children is available online.
