Cool kid helps kids realize their dreams

kabc

By ABC7

Friday, August 14, 2009

PORT HUENEME, Calif. "My senior year I want to keep my grades up, have colleges notice and go 'Hey, this kid was doing bad back then, but look at him now,'" said Richard.

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Volunteering with the club and mentoring the kids, Richard sees an opportunity to be a positive influence to these kids as well as his own little sisters.

"I try to be, like, a role model to them, have them look up to me. Explain this is what I did when I was younger, this is what you should be doing now," said Richard.

People see that Richard values what he has and what he can do.

"He started at 16 and he's already there showing 'I'm giving back to my community, because this is what my community did for me,'" said site director Laurel Wilvert.

As much as he does for his neighborhood, Richard makes sure to start the giving at home.

"I want to provide more for my family, like if you guys need help I'm here. My parents realize I'm here," said Richard.

Getting through some dark years early in his life, Richard Tribble now has his sights set on a very bright future. That makes him our Cool Kid.