The Rev. Kevin L. Aldridge, founder and executive director Kingdom Vision Outreach, said it is fitting such a great mentor is honored by a organization that is about “training youth to be better citizens.”
One by one, speakers took the podium giving thanks to Prier in his leadership roles as a teacher, coach and now an associate minister at United Baptist Missionary Church in Middletown. Many said they never would have seen a college or dreamed of higher education if Prier had not lifted them up to try, and shuttled them to college visits.
Middletown graduate Darren Brown traveled from Washington, D.C., where he works in the U.S. Department of Transportation, to speak of his love for Prier.
“He chooses to do what is right, puts his faith in God and puts his family first,” Brown said. “What we need is more men of your character, sir.”
Jackie Phillips, commissioner of the Middletown Department of Health, recalled Prier helping her daughter to receive scholarships, noting he is “constantly looking out for all of us.”
Prier, a native of Georgia, and his wife, Wilhelmina, have three sons, El-Mon Jamil, Darius and Andre. The young couple moved to Middletown, after meeting while teenagers attending Wilberforce University. After getting teaching jobs in Middletown schools, they never left.
Wilhelmina Prier thanked the people of Middletown for becoming their family and honoring her husband by “giving him his flowers while he yet lives.”
After wiping his glasses and eyes, Prier addressed his friends and admirers.
“Everything you heard I did, I did it in the name of Jesus,” Prier said. “God put me here and he gave me a gift.”
Prier urged others to step forward and offer the guidance the youth of today need.
To the people of the community he loves and always strived to help, Prier said, “It has been my pleasure. You have meant as much to me as you say I have meant to you.”
Proceeds from the event will support the organization’s upcoming Character Boot Camp and other enrichment and mentoring programs for local youth.
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