A basketball court in memory of Neko
This is Nekwan “Neko” Sprauve. Neko, an active, 15 year old Gifft Hill School student, died in early May of complications from sickle cell anemia.
Neko didn’t let his disease get in the way of life, and, in fact, his mom Brenda says it motivated him to do more.
“He was challenged, but always very positive. He wanted to do nothing but his best at all times and that’s why he was in so many activities,” Brenda says.
Indeed he was. Basketball, flag football, agriculture studies, and a member of the Love City Pan Dragons.
The Gifft Hill School is now raising money, not only for a scholarship in Neko’s name, but also a basketball half court at the school that will bear his name.
“It fills my heart with joy that he made enough of an impact that the school would do this. He grew into a young man at that school and the school opened his eyes to all sorts of things beyond just the classroom,” says Brenda.
“I will never forget Neko. He will forever by a part of my life.”
You can donate to the Nekwan Sprauve memorial fund here. (Click below for more information.)
June 1st, 2010 05:37
There’s that warm, wonderful community spirit at work again. Another reason to love St.John and her people.
June 1st, 2010 08:50
Neko’s locker was right next to some son’s. As the new kid, starting in the middle of the school year, he appreciated and valued the way Neko watched out for him. Neko’s funeral brought the island to a stop, and this fine young man was honored. If everyone who reads this blog and loves StJ donates $100 the school will be able to reach it’s fundraising goal easily.
June 1st, 2010 17:27
Seeing all the students and family members on the day of Neko’s funeral was heartbreaking. Such a loss for the community.
I hope he gets his basketbll court. I will help.
June 1st, 2010 22:41
From this story, I sense that Neko made a good use of his time and place in this world in a positive manner that will benefit many others. I attended a Pan Dragons concert in November 2008… I hope that I heard Neko play.