Coach Baker was recently selected to be the 2009 commencement speaker at Prince Edward County High School, the place where it all began.  Ms. Rachel Overstreet, the 2009 senior class advisor was very complimentary of Mr. Baker, even invoking his mother's name.  Oh . . . the pressure!

Ralph, thanks for the information.  I gave Mrs. Pride (school principal) the good news this morning, and she is as excited as I am to have you as our graduation speaker.  I also gave her and Dr. Patricia Watkins, Division Superintendant, a copy of the article on you in the July 2008 issue of Black Enterprise.  Please send me autobiographical information at your convenience . . . You are truly an inspiration; we can all learn from your efforts to educate young people and to involve them in opportunities that many probably feel are beyond their grasp.  Today, it is more important than ever to give of our time and of our expertise in an endeavor to make a difference in this fast-paced world.  You are making that difference, and your mom would be very proud of you (I mean that with all of my heart).