By Derrick Forsythe Record Staff Writer His trying journey began eight years ago, about the same time he moved to Wright City after attending three different schools in the metropolitan area. It will …
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Graduation a triumph for Wright City senior
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By Derrick ForsytheRecord Staff WriterHis trying journey began eight years ago, about the same time he moved to Wright City after attending three different schools in the metropolitan area.It will end triumphantly on Friday for Malik Prince, one of 87 seniors who will graduate.Commencement ceremonies will begin at 7:30 p.m. on the high school football field.“There has been a lot of perseverance from this class,” said Principal Shawn Brown. “They’ve worked hard through the years to reach this point.”No senior may have a bigger reason to celebrate than Prince, who has learned to rejoice in even the smallest of victories. Simply being healthy enough to make the trip across the stage in his wheelchair has the bright-eyed 18-year-old sharing his contagious smile with everyone he encounters.“This year has been going by so fast,” said Prince. “I’m really excited to graduate.”Prince celebrates two birthdays a year — one for the day he was born and another for the day he got a second lease on life.“It was truly a blessing,” said Prince, about the heart transplant he received from a stranger on Sept. 11, 2007.He was in desperate need after suffering complications from Becker’s muscular dystrophy, which he was diagnosed with the previous year.“The donor’s family didn’t want to be disclosed,” said his mother, Trina.Whoever that generous individual was, it’s likely they would be proud to see the tenacity with which Malik leaves each day.“He is an awesome spirit to have around the building,” said Principal Shawn Brown. “He’s always got nice things to say about everybody when he sees them.”The muscular dystrophy gradually inhibited his ability to walk, causing Prince to begin relying on his wheelchair for mobility entering his freshman year. But it hasn’t prevented him from enjoying the vibrant moments in life.Prince was voted prom king and, according to Brown, may have had more fun than any of his peers.“It was a complete shocker,” said Prince. “I was really happy and was dancing the night away.”Prom gave him a chance to forget about all the adversity he has faced, much like drawing does. It’s one of Prince’s passions, and he’s able to express that creativity through his work at the Warren County Sheltered Workshop.“Painting is my favorite part,” said Prince. “ ... Oh yeah, and pizza day at the shelter, every Friday.”His favorite subject matter is cars.“I’ll buy him automobile magazines, and he’ll draw the cars he finds inside,” said Trina.His dream car?“Lamborghini,” glowed Prince, who is eager to continue his education at an art school.His mother is working with a school in St. Charles to handle the logistics of him being able to attend without limitations.Prince is already being heralded for his talents, winning the “Celebrate the Artist in You” award for a piece he submitted to the Hannibal Art Council.This Friday will be a culmination of the many little triumphs along the way for Prince. When most see him, they picture a life of adversity. Through Prince’s eyes, it’s been about the victories.Wright City High School GraduationWhen: Friday, May 22Time: 6:30 p.m. / Seating opens at 5:30 p.m.Where: High School Football Field*In the case of rain, the ceremonies will be moved inside the gym with the same start time
Malik Prince will be one of 87 Wright City seniors to graduate during Friday’s commencement ceremony, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the high school football field. Derrick Forsythe photo.
