Eleven-year-old Emmanuel McBride keeps himself busy with school, sports and speaking. His oratorical skills have earned him many awards. Photo by Michaele Duke
Eleven-year-old Emmanuel McBride keeps himself busy with school, sports and speaking. His oratorical skills have earned him many awards. Photo by Michaele Duke
BY MICHAELE DUKE
Emmanuel McBride is a busy young man. Not only has he maintained an “A” average on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll from first grade through his current fifth grade. He is a competitive athlete in basketball and football and was crowned 2016-2017 Mr. Greeleyville Elementary School.
However, one of his greatest achievements occurred in November, when he was awarded the winner in the school’s oratorical contest. In fact, he has won this title in his division seven consecutive years.
McBride, who grew up with twin sisters, Kayla and Kimbriana, and older brother, Justin, was developing his skills even before kindergarten. At the tender age of three he was asked to emcee the opening act of a local play.
As an active member of Biblical Christian Church, he continues to hone his oratorical skills. He recently conducted a speech during a praise and worship service. He was also born on Veterans Day, which he hopes will play a roll in his next birthday as he wishes to speak at a Veterans Day event.
This may be McBride’s last year at Greeleyville Elementary but he’s not slowing down. Though he won’t have an opportunity to compete in oratorical contests at C.E. Murray the speaker of the house will continue to do his best. And he has goals in mind. “I want to keep my grades up so I can get a scholarship so my parents won’t have to pay for college,” said the 11-year-old. “I also want to have my own business. I’m just not sure what it will be but I’ll probably sells things.”
McBride is the son of James Bernard Page and Katrena McBride. Ms. McBride knows her son is a go-getter. “He’s an all around kid,” she said. “He loves football talk with his dad. He loves basketball. He has a winning attitude. He’s very competitive in school, work and play.”
Mr. Page also plays a very important role in “Manny’s” life. He says if he keeps up with the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, when he’s old enough his reward will be a car. Now that’s one goal worth striving for.
