Simeon Senior Breaks Stereotypes for Young African American Males
Ernest Sanders
Published: December 29, 2006
Ira Wheaton Jr. stands in front of Simeon High School's Bookstore for a picture.
Photo: Ernest Sanders
Like every young man growing up, Ira Wheaton Jr. strives to be the perfect child in his parents’ eyes. He is career oriented and currently seeking a career in the field of Actuarial Science, along with maintaining his professional hobbies of the piano, organ and percussion instruments. Actuarial Science you ask? I know I did too as Ira and his mom, Laura explained it to me. Well, according to Wikipedia, Actuarial Science applies mathematical and statistical methods to finance and insurance, particularly to risk assessment. Actuaries are professionals who are qualified in this field through highly competitive examinations and experience.
“Through highly competitive examination and experience”…is where Ira has pushed the mark. You see, Ira scored a 30 on his ACT test score. This is an unprecedented score for a young African American male. Recent statistics suggest that the average composite score for African Americans is 17.1. Ira’s score of 30 is just 6 points away from a perfect score of 36. Wow! If Ira’s score gives you any insight on the remainder of my interview, then I must say you’re right. Hold on to your britches because his story only gets better.
Ira Jr. poses for a photo opportunity in front of Simeon High School's Computer Lab.
Photo: Ernest Sanders
Ira Jr. is the minister of music at Greater Omega M.B. Church in Chicago where his father, Reverend Ira Wheaton Sr., is the Pastor. According to his father, “Ira Jr. has such a passion to give back to his community and those younger than him. It really inspires everyone in our family.” When asked about his desired to succeed, Pastor Wheaton said, “Ira Jr. strives to be a whole person as it relates to people, heritage and deity.”
Ira seemingly agreed and said he is inspired to succeed on a daily basis to end homelessness and eliminate blight in his community.
Ira does not have any problems remaining focused because of his three elder siblings. You see each of them has achieved extraordinary grades similar to Ira since attending elementary school at Marcus Garvey. Each of them has been ranked within the top five students at Simeon high school and all received four-year scholarships to college. Likewise, Ira is about to achieve the same. His siblings Cory, Camille, and Connie are also ranked within the top ten of their class in college.
Later, I asked Pastor and Mrs. Wheaton about their motivation to parent such remarkable kids with extraordinary stories. Pastor Wheaton responded, “Discipline does not only come from us when necessary. The kids have created their own physical and mental endeavors whereby they continuously create healthy competition amongst themselves.” Mrs. Wheaton said, “We do not spare the rod or spoil the child. Our children have engaged themselves in each other’s success. They keep each other honest to no ends avail.”
Finally, I asked Ira for his immediate plans after Simeon. He said he definitely wants to attend college and remain humble in all his gifts that God has bestowed upon him.