Zealand Franklin’s earliest memory is bleak.
He lived in an orphanage in Ethiopia and remembers sitting on a low wall.
“A guy sat next to me and put out a cigarette on my leg,” he said. “It left a scar. When my parents came to adopt me, I couldn’t speak English, so I mimed what happened.”
His memories after being adopted at age 3 are bright.
“I ate so much food! All we had at the orphanage was a pot of stew for breakfast, lunch and dinner.” Franklin said. “I picked up the language quickly because I was always talking to people.”
That innate friendliness became his hallmark at Mead High School.
“I go down the halls and give people high fives,” he said. “It’s the people, not the building that make the school.”
His jovial attitude boosts the spirits of students and staff alike.
“He’s very welcoming,” said counselor Jody Harkness. “He goes out of his way to meet a new face. He probably knew the names of more students and staff his freshman year than I did!”
Franklin also assumed leadership roles.
“As the (Associated Student Body) president, he effortlessly connects with staff and students, fostering a sense of unity and school spirit,” Harkness said. “His resilience and optimism inspire those around him. He always chooses to see the good in the world. He just sees life through a different set of lenses.”
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