In The SpotLight

Eldrin L. Deas

    Eldrin is a student at Chamblee Charter High School in Chamblee, Georgia where he is in the 12^th grade. Eldrin recently received a full 4-year tuition scholarship to attend Morehouse College here in Atlanta, Georgia. After completion of the 3^rd grade, Eldrin was recognized as having high academic achievement on the California Assessment Tests, and his counselor suggested he be transferred to the Kittredge Magnet School for High Academic Achievers. Eldrin attended Kittredge from 4^th through 7^th grade. He then was transferred to continue this program at Chamblee Charter High School, and attended Chamblee High from the 8^th grade.

    An excerpt from Eldrin’s acceptance letter reads: "I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected as a recipient of a four-year Morehouse College Academic Scholarship to begin Fall Semester, 2002. You have been chosen for this scholarship award from a pool of other applicants to Morehouse College who also submitted outstanding high school records and exceptional test scores. However, your record received greater attention because it portrayed you as both a developing scholar and an aspiring leader. I congratulate you!" Eldrin was recently invited to enroll as a Freshman in the Morehouse College Honor’s Program which aims to provide a stimulating advanced educational experience. He plans to major in Math/Engineering and will be involved in a dual degree program with Georgia Tech.

Eldrin was also offered three other scholarships, but because he doesn’t like the spotlight, he declines to even tell his parents about them.

Eldrin has played the viola and been a member of the orchestra since 6^th grade and his teacher has been Mr. Earl Kuutti.

He was recognized at his last high school Orchestra Program for composing a piece he entitled Apocryphüsication, which the orchestra played as the last piece on the program. Eldrin received a standing ovation after the piece was played, and had to linger around for many to get his autograph after the program. The arrangement was so moving to the point that the vice-principal of the school was crying after the performance and other parents and attendees were overwhelmed with elation. Many said that he is certainly very talented and should pursue a career in music.

Eldrin is very busy and involved in his church. He sings on the Mass, Youth and Brotherhood choirs, and is a faithful Sunday school student. He is very supportive of his family and the work of the church and readily lends a helping hand when called upon.