A big love for learning

A big love for learning
Man honored for passion, desire for education
Emma Marshall
Friday, February 13, 2009

It takes hope and passion to be a leader in this day and age, and Black History Month reminds and inspires individuals to keep striving for what they want to achieve.
Far Northeast Neighbors, Inc., is a nonprofit organization with diverse members who lay the stepping stones for achievement and seek to “enhance and advocate the quality of life for all residents without regard to race, creed or color.”
The organization is run by leaders who any community would be thankful to have as role models.
Through social, growth and educational values, the organization provides coordination of social events to unite the communities, improve education, and improve and assist plans for the growth of residential and commercial neighborhoods.
John Smith, 76, president of Far Northeast Neighbors, Inc., for the 12th consecutive year, is a retired Denver Public Schools teacher and administrator and is an avid believer that education breeds success.
“Education is vital,” Smith said. “It’s the key to success. It’s a way out. People who are educated are usually successful.”
Smith continued to discuss all the things education can bring, emphasizing the best advice in his opinion is: “Never quit. Never give up. Only through education can there be hope. With faith, hope and love, you cannot fail.”
Far Northeast Neighbors, Inc., is an organization created to unite and strengthen the northeast communities by welcoming diversity and promoting success through education. Montbello, Parkfield, Gateway, Singletree, Green Valley Ranch and Denver International Airport are represented by the nonprofit organization.
The organization provides scholarships to high schools in these areas each year for outstanding achievement.
Far Northeast Neighbors, Inc., is proud to have Hap Legg, 32, on the board of directors. Currently vice president at Firstbank of Aurora, his education roots started in northern Aurora, where he graduated fourth in his class at Hinkley High School in 1994. Then he received a BSBA with a major in finance from the University of Colorado at Denver.
He also serves as chairman for the Far North East Business Association, vice chairman for the Foundation for Educational Excellence, vice chairman for Court Appointed Special Advocates, and is a single father of three girls, ages 4, 8 and 10.
Legg was honored at an award program set up in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which awards exemplary individuals who exude passion and desire for education. The University of Phoenix recently awarded him a $10,000 scholarship, which he said he would use to enroll in the master’s education program in administration and supervision.
Legg’s foundation of success is built upon education, and his appreciation for communities working together helps fuel his desire to be an inspiration to others.
Legg hopes to encourage those who have a dream to never give up.
Smith appreciates the contributions Legg has made to the community and was delighted to hear about his pursuit of a master’s degree.
“Ever since he came he was constantly going,” Smith said. “He is modest about his success, young and a hard-working fellow. I see great things for him.”