Batesburg-Leesville academic whiz in wheelchair gets ride to college

Batesburg-Leesville High student Malik Brown got the ride Thursday he needs to attend college.

His family received a used van equipped for travel for the graduating student with cerebral palsy who has needed a wheelchair most of his life. The gift was made possible by fund-raising by Lexington 3 teachers and students for someone they say has overcome the odds.

Brown, 17, is known for joyous demeanor and helping others despite having to communicate by typing into speech-generating equipment or by social media.

“Anything to help him succeed,” said Stephanie Sawyer, Brown’s speech therapist since 6th grade. “If he doesn’t inspire you, what does?”

Brown’s family needed the vehicle since the buses he uses to get to class won’t be available after he graduates in a few weeks. Until now, the family relied on friends and school buses for transportation.

The gift is a “huge blessing,” said his grandmother and caretaker, Debra Risinger.

The gift also included payment of taxes and tags for the van as well as money for fuel in coming months.

Brown, who ranks in the top third of his class of 88 students, hopes to become a mathematics teacher. He’s starting on that path with instruction at the Midland Technical College campus in his hometown of 5,400 residents.

“This is a dream come true,” Risinger said of the vehicle that allows family members to get around town and to medical care elsewhere on their own.