William Richerson was instrumental in founding Let’s Read Alabama and the St. Patrick Day’s Charity Family Parade and Pet Walk. CONTRIBUTED

Why I Love This Town

MADISON – William Richerson believes Madison has vast opportunities for volunteering. His commitment led to organizing a parade and literacy outreach.

Richerson, a 17-year-old senior at Bob Jones High School, has lived in Madison since he was five years old.

“Overall, I think Madison is a great place to grow up,” Richerson said. “I’ve always found ways to keep busy.”

Growing up, Richerson has participated “in everything from youth basketball to martial arts to Scouting.” At Bob Jones, he is involved with the Animation Club; “Patriot Pages” news website; and National Honor Society. He also joined Huntsville Film Coop and hopes to earn his Eagle rank in Scouts later this year.

Richerson and his Boy Scout Venture Crew founded the annual St. Patrick Day’s Charity Family Parade and Pet Walk. In 2015, the event garnered 500-plus pounds of pet food. The 2016 walk is set for March 13 at 2 p.m. at Discovery Middle School.

In another outreach, Richerson and friends and neighbors started “Let’s Read Alabama,” a nonprofit charity to improve literacy in North Alabama. They built and installed 200 neighborhood book exchanges. “Reception has been very positive,” he said. (Facebook/Let’s Read Alabama)

“I’ve been fortunate to have many great teachers at Bob Jones. They have guided me through some subjects that I really love,” Richerson said. He acknowledged Mary Davis and Dwayne Craft in helping him earn a ‘superior’ rating at Trumbauer State Secondary Theatre Festival.

In addition, Richerson praised advanced-placement teachers Jennifer Rountree and Michael Hoyle. English teacher Robin Dauma guided his Destination Imagination team to global/international competition.

“I have especially enjoyed multimedia and publication taught by Brandy Panagos,” he said. With skills from that class, Richerson developed a brief documentary to promote school safety on the sixth anniversary of the tragic shooting at Discovery Middle School. (youtube.com/channel/UCmM9Kd9AmbMVt_lhgXOhapQ)

William’s parents are Mark and Laura Richerson.

William’s ACT score has secured full-tuition scholarships to several colleges, “which makes my parents happy.” He wants to study film production or interactive media, combined with business, to possibly work in the film industry.