Teen credits grandparents for success
It might be rare for young men to admit their love and admiration for the people who have made them what they are. But one 15-year-old doesn't mind giving the credit to his grandparents.
Chadd Pittman, a freshman at Greenbrier High School, was nominated for a Make Kids Count profile by his middle school chorus teacher.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
"I just love helping people," said Chadd Pittman, a freshman at Greenbrier High School. "It comes from my grandparents. My parents divorced when I was 3."
Chadd largely credits his grandparents, Rod and Nina Ellis, of Martinez, and Margaret Pittman, of Augusta, with instilling in him a commitment and dedication to seeing things through.
"He's very loving and very kind," Mrs. Ellis said. "He reaches out to others and aims to please. We have always been close with our own children, and I think that has been admirable in Chadd's own life."
It is Chadd's willingness to lend a hand that makes him a standout with his former Columbia Middle School teacher.
"He is always eager to participate in any activity," said Phillip Streetman, the director of choral activities at Columbia Middle. "His sense of commitment is very strong for a middle school student. Chadd is a well-rounded, level-headed, intelligent and talented young man. He will be missed as he moves to high school."
At Columbia Middle, Chadd was a member of the school's football team and was involved in putting together the school yearbook.
Chadd says Streetman's dedication to his students made it easy to jump right in and help when he was needed.
"I wouldn't have done it otherwise if it wasn't for Mr. Streetman," said the son of Sheri and Wayne Barrow, of Appling, and Brent Pittman, of Augusta. "He goes way out of line to do what he can for us. He makes us do good."
When he arrives at Greenbrier High next month, Chadd will play on the Wolfpack football team, which he says is a great honor. More than anything, Chadd wants to continue helping others and plans to pursue a degree in nursing when he graduates.
"I want to get nursing and EMT degrees," he said. "I want to be an RN. My father used to be an EMT and firefighter, and my mom is a nurse. I just love helping people."