A former gang member that became a school administrator. Cornelius
lived a life which a soap opera writer would appreciate. His world
was one of constant trials and tribulations. Many of them grew
out of the bad choices he made, while others were beyond his control.
Principals and teachers misunderstood his search for recognition
and acceptance, and rewarded his actions with frequent punishments
and suspensions.
Cornelius was admitted into a street gang. They were thugs who
carried weapons and caused problems in the neighborhood. However,
he began to have misgivings when he was placed in awkward positions.
Cornelius' life was one of searching for acceptance, recognition
and respect. He realized that being successful in life does not
mean having a lot of material possessions. He realized the value
of a good education, which will be his forever.
Cornelius is presently a much sought-after lecturer for school
and community groups on the subject of current cognitive and behavioral
trends exhibited by today's youth. His career in education has
spanned more than 25 years in the capacity of classroom teacher
and administrator on both elementary and secondary levels. Cornelius
has published over 10 books.
AWARDS:
Outstanding Young Men of American Award; Citation from the Mayor
for Community Service; Plaque
of Honor Lecture Award, Lakewood High School; Andrew Young Achievement
Award; Student Council Lecture Award, Lincoln High School; Project
Alpha Lecture Award, Zeta Epsilon Lambda Chapter; Outstanding
Community Service Lecture Award; Camp Viking Lecture Award, Ocean
County College; Delta Sigma Theta's Summit III Lecture Award;
Girl Scouts of Greater Essex- Hudson Counties Lecture.. ……..and
many more.
