Future Black History Makers: Meet Elijah Morris, a third-grader at Honeycutt Elementary

Elijah Morris, 9, the son of Danavon Morris, Monica Alejos, Karleisa Morris and Evan Anderson, is in third grade at E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary School.

He was nominated as a Future Black History Maker because "He demonstrates excellence in everything he puts his name on and is humble enough to take in constructive criticism because at the age of 8, he already knows that it will help him become that much better," writes his nominator, third-grade teacher Krystal Maurer. "He understands compassion and genuinely cares about his peers and the school he attends. He took it upon himself to pick up trash during his recess after overhearing his teacher discuss how it was an issue due to our campus being used for sports activities after school. He not only started picking up trash on his own, he recruited his peers and got them excited about doing so. ... His values and drive are qualities that would make any educator, parent or citizen of our community proud to call this young man worthy of a Future Black History Maker. He is what our future holds and what he holds is a bright future."

Here's what else you should know about Elijah.

All about Elijah

What's your favorite subject in school? Math.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Professional baseball player.

Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do for fun? Playing sports and playing with my friends.

What are you really good at doing? Drawing and reading.

What's your favorite thing about yourself? I am athletic.

Who is your role model? Trea Turner (professional baseball player).

If you could meet any famous person, who would it be and why? Jackie Robinson because he was the first African American baseball player to play in the MLB.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Mexico because I am half Mexican.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it? The ability to fly so that I could travel to different places.

What's your favorite movie or TV show? "Oddballs"

If you could eat one thing every day, what would it be? Chili.

See the full list: Meet our 29 Future Black History Makers of Fayetteville for 2024

What his parents say

What makes your child a Future Black History Maker? Elijah possesses a diverse array of interests. He's very creative and has a love for learning. His creativity and eagerness to explore new possibilities opens a world of opportunities and gives him the potential to be a Future Black History Maker.

Why are you proud of your child? We take great pride in Elijah's achievements, as he consistently excels academically, earning commendations from his teachers for his helpfulness and exemplary behavior. He is viewed as a leader amongst his peers. Elijah demonstrates independence, individual growth, willingness to help others and willingness to learn new things. We are proud of his effort and positive attitude when faced with new challenges. Elijah's nomination as a Future Black History Maker is a testament to his character and ability to impact positive change and that makes us very proud.

Responses have been edited for style and grammar.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville Future Black History Makers: Meet Elijah Morris