Harold Keller – Get High on Life

Every year, Mrs. Donette Kimball, a teacher at Destrehan High School, asks me to speak to her Peer Support Leaders class. Last week, I was blessed again to be able to address that special group of students.

As I was about to enter the school, a handsome, young man was leaving. He greeted me with a smile and a pleasant hello. “What’s your name?” I asked. “Rondell Mealey,” he responded.

Rondell was a senior at Destrehan High School when I addressed his class and he remembers me picking on him and challenging him to be successful in life. Rondell was a great athlete and played football at LSU and the Green Bay Packers. He is now a teacher in the St. Charles School System.

He seemed to be happy and at peace with himself in the process of giving back to the community and school that was good to him.

When I checked in at the school’s front office, I was greeted by Terri Saucier, a student in Mrs. Kimball’s class, who escorted me to the classroom of only girls.

I shared some of my experiences and convictions with them. I also challenged them to be godly young women and to be an example to other students.

We had a great time! It was a pleasure being with them.

As I went to the office to check out, I noticed this young man, who stood about 6’5″, as he spoke to a teacher. I introduced myself and asked his name. He pleasantly responded, “Darryl Richard.” I recognized the name and asked (already knowing the answer), “Did you play football last year?” “Yes, sir,” he answered. “What was your number?” I asked. “Ninety-nine,” he replied. “Oh, yes, I saw you play a couple of times. You weren’t that good,” I said. He looked surprised, and I then continued, “Just joking!”

Most football fans know that Darryl was offered scholarships to many major colleges but chose to accept the offer from Georgia Tech. Not only is he a good athlete, but he is also one of the candidates that is in contention for the top academic honor in his graduating class at Destrehan High School.

As I was about to leave, I told Darryl that it was a pleasure meeting him and reminded him that all his talent and intelligence comes from God. “Being intelligent and a good athlete are great, but God is more concerned about your heart,” I said. I then hugged him and wish ed him the best that life has to offer.

Driving home after my visit to Destrehan High School, I was grateful to have had the opportunity to meet some of Louisiana’s finest.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational organization. Call 652-8477 or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084.