And in other news, on Monday he got a laptop and today, 17-year-old Dennis Gladden was gifted with a brand-new cell phone – and other accessories. The salutatorian graduated at the top of his class using only his phone to do his work and attend online classes. The phone didn't even have a working sim card.
But Cellular World, under their project CW Cares, has provided all that for him including a phone case, a tempered glass covering, headphones, and a mouse for his new laptop.
Today we met up with Gladden and, as usual, his focus is on his education and on remaining humble:
Dennis Gladden - Salutatorian, Wesley College
"I'm thankful for it, I got headphones and mouse and a phone, I managed to get stuff that I need. These gifts will motivate me, help me to be focused because I know you have people who will look after me."
Courtney Menzies
"So, you're prepared for your next journey to UB."
Dennis Gladden
"Yes, ma'am, readily prepared, one day at a time. People are donating and assisting me and I just have to be patient and humble."
Courtney Menzies
"I know your old phone, that's the one you got through high school with, so what's it like that you have to say goodbye to that old phone and upgrade to something maybe even better?"
Dennis Gladden
"Well, I wouldn't say goodbye, I spoke to my grandmother last night and I told her this is the phone I still want, or this is the phone I still want to take care of so I can hold it as something to look at in the past or tell someone about it. And old bring new. Like you said, I'm never exposed to these things and that phone was the biggest thing I've ever had as technology in my life, I've never owned something bigger than that and I'm just thankful for the places that are reaching out to me."
Avril Eiley - Sales & Business Development Manager, Cellular World
"Over the weekend our management team, we spoke about it and first thing Monday morning, we were one of the first ones to reach out to family to say we want to do something for you. Unfortunately, we had a laptop set up, but another company went ahead and did that so what we did was to actually put together a little basket full of goodies so that Mr Dennis Gladden can use these things for his education. He's enrolled or he will be enrolled in UB and the gadgets that we've chosen will definitely help him through his future education."
And proving true virality, Gladden was also invited to appear on "Smile Jamaica", a morning show in that island nation. He was asked to join virtually this morning to share his story of success to hopefully inspire other youths. We asked him about it today:
Dennis Gladden
"I was kind of nervous, it was my first time doing something like that out of the country, even though I was doing it virtually and it was a good experience to share my situation and my story in the past of what happened and what I went through when I was younger until now and they just did it to inspire young people so they can never give up and just focus on what they're priority is and I hope they follow."
Gladden is still waiting on a scholarship so that he can continue his education at UB's Belmopan Campus. He has also lucked into a summer job at the Radisson.
