Respect is the foundation of peace within our community and our world. Nothing guides our morals and actions more. Respect for our faith, for our elders, for fellow residents, and respect for our parents — just to name a few — reveals much about a person’s character.

Within a few minutes of meeting Malliccaaii Green, it was obvious his life is focused on respectful behavior. We honor Malliccaaii Green as our Southern Indiana Extra Miler this month.

Malliccaaii is the kind of young man any parent would be proud to have as a son. This fact is derived from the respect he has for his single-parent mother, Ramada Green. When asked about his motivation to be an Extra Miler in life, Malliccaaii didn’t hesitate to respond, “It is important to me to make my mother happy.” He sincerely adds, “My mother is my inspiration — she is an exceptionally special person who means everything to me.”

When interviewed, Ms. Green was quick to turn the focus back to her son’s own self-determination and desire to influence others in a positive manner. A single parent raising two children, Ms. Green wanted to be sure her children realized there were consequences to everything in life. She wanted them to understand their roots and how to be considerate of others.

“I tell my children that life isn’t easy, but making good choices can give them a brighter future,” explains Ms. Green.

Malliccaaii is a busy Jeffersonville High School junior who maintains a 3.3 grade-point average. He is actively involved as staff in ROTC and received the 2009 National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Medal. He works part-time with children at the YMCA and also donates his time as a volunteer at the Louisville Science Center.

Malliccaaii is active in the Jeffersonville High School Art Club and has won the county Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. poster contest three years in a row. In addition to other awards, Malliccaaii recently won the prestigious Golden Key National Scholastic Art Award and a scholarship to attend the University of Louisville visual arts class.

Dawn Struck, a Jeffersonville High School art teacher and Art Club sponsor, explains that Malliccaaii is the kind of person to answer the call for help, no matter what that call entails. She clarifies, “Malliccaaii is always willing to step up to give his time and talents, and he always does so with enthusiasm.”

Struck walked to the back of the room and carefully picked up a large painting. As she brought the painting to the table, she said, “This young man is extremely talented — he is a classic Renaissance man.” With that, she gently pulled back the cover to reveal Malliccaaii’s brilliantly detailed, complex and powerful work of art. As I momentarily became lost in the beauty of the painting, Struck’s obvious pride in her student was revealed as she said, “You could not have selected a better person than Malliccaaii Green as an Extra Miler.”

Malliccaaii recently received the Greater Clark County Schools Merit Award and is held in the highest regard by Jeffersonville High School Principal Steve Morris. He stated, “Malliccaaii puts service above self — he is a classic servant leader exemplifying what we want to see in all of our students.”

In addition to his many activities, Malliccaaii also serves as a big brother for the Big Brothers Big Sisters charitable organization. His little brother is a 12-year-old named Marques. When asked what sparks of wisdom he would like to pass on to his little brother, Malliccaaii responded, “Marques is very smart — I want him to be a good person who makes good choices in life.” He adds, “I want Marques to understand that he can be a responsible person and still have fun.”

Ramada Green didn’t set out to raise an overachiever. Her intent was simply to raise Malliccaaii to be a respectful and caring young man. Malliccaaii Green’s life illustrates how blending love and respect will naturally lead to success.

Thank you, Malliccaaii, for being an outstanding citizen and an Extra Miler for Southern Indiana.



KINDNESS TIP OF THE MONTH

Malliccaaii encourages youth to always set their sights on being above average — believing everyone has the potential to become successful. He cautions that children need to learn leadership skills at an early age, setting their own destiny instead of becoming followers.



Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and owner of EEO GUIDANCE Inc. If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an Extra Miler, please contact her. To submit an Extra Miler, a story or act of kindness, contact Carol via e-mail: Extra.Milers@newsandtribune.com; or mail: THE EXTRA MILERS, The Evening News, 221 Spring St. Jeffersonville, IN 47130-3340.