HALIFAX — Keitha Whitaker Jr., a senior at Southeast Halifax High School, has been selected Halifax County Schools’ Student of the Month for March 2009.

Superintendent Geraldine Middleton, right, congratulates Halifax County Schools’ Student of the Month for March, Keith Whitaker, a senior at Southeast Halifax High School. Contributed Photo | Daily Herald Advertisement

The son of Keitha Whitaker Sr. and Roykieya Whitaker Higgs of Scotland Neck, he was selected to be Student of the Month because of his positive attitude, commitment to academic excellence and going the extra mile in everything he does. Halifax County Schools selects a single student each month from the district’s 4,500 students for special recognition by the board of education. Students of the month are honored for their academic achievements, but they are selected to represent the district because they have a positive influence in the classroom and on other students.

“Keitha possesses outstanding qualities that make him a model student,” said English teacher Ethel Whitaker. “He goes above and beyond when completing assignments.”

Whitaker has already signed to attend Elizabeth City State University next year on a full football scholarship, but the three-time Daily Herald All Area football team selection and 2007 Daily Herald Defensive Player of the Year also intends to use this opportunity to pursue more rigorous academic goals by majoring in pre-business law.

He lists his favorite subject as English, “Because I get a chance to be creative and think critically in my work.” Keitha’s favorite book right now is “Think Big” by Dr. Ben Carson, an inspirational look at the philosophy of life that helped Carson overcome obstacles to advance from a tough inner city life to become a world-renowned neurosurgeon.

Whitaker lists his hobbies as “playing all sports, doing anything with the public and computers.”

His advice for other students is, “Education is the key to a better and successful life. Always stay humble and respectful because that will carry you even higher in life.”

He added, “I feel it is a remarkable privilege to be selected Student of the Month and I hope to exemplify the qualities of Student of the Month. School is all in what you make it and eventually it will lead you down the road to a better life.”