An immediate impact, a lifelong example Delawareonline.com The News Journal:
"WILMINGTON -- Nine-year-old Abdullah Brown, wearing his Bancroft Elementary uniform, was munching on fries and chicken nuggets at McDonald's recently when two teenage boys in sagging pants and T-shirts slid into a nearby booth."
They recognized Abdullah from the neighborhood.
"Where's your father?" one of the teenagers said to the boy, taunting him.
"I don't know, in jail," Abdullah said, staring down at his chicken nuggets. His father has been in and out of prison most of Abdullah's life.
As Abdullah tried to disappear into the seat, an arm slid around his shoulder, bringing a slight smile to his face.
The teens, failing to get a rise out of Abdullah, stood up and left the restaurant.
It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to Abdullah.
The arm did not belong to a relative or a neighbor, but to Maurice Pritchett, a retired educator who has been making a difference with Wilmington youth for 40 years, first as a teacher, then as the 30-year principal at Bancroft, where he now mentors Abdullah.
"I want him to know that just because his dad is in jail doesn't mean that he doesn't have anyone," Pritchett said later. "He has me."
Pritchett, 67, grew up on the city's east side without a father. When he wasn't in school, he spent his time playing basketball at the Walnut Street YMCA. As an adolescent, he had attitude problems.
"WILMINGTON -- Nine-year-old Abdullah Brown, wearing his Bancroft Elementary uniform, was munching on fries and chicken nuggets at McDonald's recently when two teenage boys in sagging pants and T-shirts slid into a nearby booth."
They recognized Abdullah from the neighborhood.
"Where's your father?" one of the teenagers said to the boy, taunting him.
"I don't know, in jail," Abdullah said, staring down at his chicken nuggets. His father has been in and out of prison most of Abdullah's life.
As Abdullah tried to disappear into the seat, an arm slid around his shoulder, bringing a slight smile to his face.
The teens, failing to get a rise out of Abdullah, stood up and left the restaurant.
It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to Abdullah.
The arm did not belong to a relative or a neighbor, but to Maurice Pritchett, a retired educator who has been making a difference with Wilmington youth for 40 years, first as a teacher, then as the 30-year principal at Bancroft, where he now mentors Abdullah.
"I want him to know that just because his dad is in jail doesn't mean that he doesn't have anyone," Pritchett said later. "He has me."
Pritchett, 67, grew up on the city's east side without a father. When he wasn't in school, he spent his time playing basketball at the Walnut Street YMCA. As an adolescent, he had attitude problems.