Pahokee Middleschooler Makes History

PHOTO/KYOTO WALKER   Damon Weaver with sportscaster Jay Gilmore, formerly of WPTV Channel 5 at Palm Beach Association of Black Journalists “Words Not Weapons” Poetry Slam 2009.  Gilmore presented Weaver with a special letter from Miami Heat basketball star Dwyane Wade who was unable to attend the event due to regular season play schedule. 

By KYOTO WALKER

Damon Weaver is the youngest reporter to interview President Barack Obama.  The K.E. Cunningham Elementary sixth grader has also interviewed television icon Oprah Winfrey, actor/director Spike Lee and basketball star Dwyane Wade.  
Weaver said he considers himself a mentor to youth and tries to set a good example.
“Mentoring helps youth to think more and strive to do better by inspiring youth to do the right thing,” he said.
“Kids can accomplish anything they want to.”
Weaver said he credits his teacher Brian Zimmerman with much of his success and wants to thank him.
“Without him I wouldn’t have accomplished the things that I have.  I wouldn’t have met the president.”
Weaver said he will attend BAK Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach next year.
He has also been offered a four-year scholarship to Albany State University in Georgia which Weaver says he will accept. 

Tags: Damon Weaver, Obama, Pahokee, Palm Beach County