When a 15-year-old is held in such high regard that his own mother actually says, “Every day I learn so much from him,” you know he is special.
Such is the case of Jordan Blackwell, a 10th grader at City Charter High School who, along with doing well in academics, is a volunteer at Small Seeds Development Inc., a social service agency whose mission is supporting, strengthening, and sustaining families to build strong and safe communities.
Jordan Blackwell, who is currently enrolled in honors history and English, is remarkably prepared to be a leader for the next generation. He is described by others as having a keen sense of responsibility that belies his years, as a willing support and worker, and as a person who possesses a kind and generous attitude filled with humility.
He connected with the organization when his father, Eric Blackwell, came to work there as a program coordinator.
[pullquote]“I have never met any young person with such a fantastic attitude,” says Brittany Tonet, director of finance and development at Small Seeds. “He never hesitates to step up for any volunteer opportunity. He has been seen at everything we do, from our fundraising events to Comcast Cares Day.”[/pullquote]
“I am moved by this young man because his humility and generous spirit set him apart,” shares Andrew Cheeseboro, chief executive officer at Small Seeds, recalling a challenging financial time for the agency when it lost some funding and could not keep its janitorial service.
“We were all amazed when Jordan stepped up and said he would come in on Saturdays and clean the bathrooms and take care of trash,” Cheeseboro says. “It is this kind of effort that is admirable. It speaks to character—one that will take him far.”
Jordan Blackwell’s mother, Lisa Blackwell, a nurse at UPMC, and his father both speak about the special qualities of their high-achieving son. The teen also has his own businesses, Blackwell Soundz and Blackwell Photography.
“Jordan never ceases to amaze me,” says his father. “While we have taught him to be respectful, clear and to articulate well, we had no idea he would embrace the other qualities that cause him to shine. He really is quite a typical teen, enjoying video games. But he has already learned how to handle his finances.”
Jordan Blackwell works with his father on weekends as he does sound and music for a variety of events, and has his own money and checking account.
“When he wants something, he uses his own money to get it,” Eric Blackwell says. “This is how he demonstrates true responsibility, which I believe is highly unusual for youngsters his age—especially since he is the last of six children.”
Jordan Blackwell has such varied interests that he is on track for becoming a Renaissance man. He has a very strong love of all genres of music, an appreciation for spoken word and poetry, and recently began to enjoy writing his own pieces.
Most interesting is that, although he does not see himself as an “artist,” he has an affinity for art.
“I have a spectator appreciation for art. I enjoy it, and though I don’t have it as my own skill, I really like to see what an artist does, how things come together on canvas and how the different forms of art are used to create beautiful pieces,” he says.
Eric Blackwell says he is proud of the way Jordan Blackwell has developed to be true to himself.
“We have five other children and we always taught each of them to always be themselves, to remember the family values we instilled in them and, more than anything, be sure and give back.”
Jordan Blackwell represents his training well. Not only does he give of his time at Small Seeds, but also he was a camp counselor at the House of Manna church camp in Homewood.
Even with his love of music, writing and the arts, Jordan Blackwell says he is leaning toward the practical side of learning. He aspires to study education and ultimately become a history teacher.
“I love history, I have always done well in it,” he says. “I have always been able to retain information like facts and dates—as a history teacher, I feel I’ll always be able to take it wherever I go.
As he continues to figure things out, he says he is happy to go to Community College of Allegheny County after graduation and then transfer to a four-year university to pursue his career dreams.
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