Schools
Whiz Kid: Parkway Central Student Honored For Grades
Andre Booker, a junior at Parkway Central High School, encourages recognition of scholastic successes made by African-American students.
Andre Booker, a junior at , was one of nearly 350 students honored districtwide at Parkway’s Spirit of Excellence Awards ceremony in mid-March. The annual event honors high-achieving African-American students.
“So many African-American students get lost in the school system and may not be recognized for educational achievements. We get recognition for sports, which is a stereotype. We’re more than that as a people,” Andre said. Andre and his older brother, Alex, have earned the award since they were in elementary school.
Andre and Alex served as the masters of ceremonies for the award ceremony in 2010. “As a younger student, I saw other kids hosting the ceremony, and I thought I’d like the opportunity too. It was an incredible experience,” he said.
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It is easy to see that Andre could host a live ceremony. He is confident and has an outgoing personality. As a Boy Scout, his scout leader predicted that Andre would someday be president.
Maintaining good grades, participating in student government and playing sports are important to Andre. He competes in a number of track and field events, including the 4x4 relay. His team performed well in the 2010 Missouri statewide meet. He also plays wide receiver and safety for Parkway Central’s varsity football team.
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“Andre enjoys athletics and life in general,” Lillian Booker, his mother, said. “He hasn’t made a decision on where he’ll attend college. He just knows he’s going, and I’m sure the opportunity to be involved in sports will be part of the decision."
He has served on the student council since he was in elementary school. Andre has also been involved in the gifted education program at Parkway and feels it’s essential to keep his grades high.
“It’s a tradition with the Bookers to get good grades. My brothers and I work hard to compete academically,” Andre said.
Andre is the son of Alex and Lillian Booker. His brother, Alex, is a student at Arizona State University. His younger brother, Adam, is a third-grade student who has also received Parkway's Spirit of Excellence Award.