ERHS senior Francis Sowande is a “top notch friend,” said fellow senior Alexis Yaculak, who went on to describe him as both “charming” and “caring.”

Francis moved from Nigeria to the United States in elementary school and had to adjust very quickly to American culture. However, he said that it was never very difficult for him because he was able to pick up on a lot through “watching television,” and most of his classmates were very accepting.

Francis’s favorite class is physics, having taken AP Physics 1, 2, and now AP Physics C from sophomore to senior year. Though Francis said he isn’t really sure why he connects so well with the subject, he believes that it is a mix of “applying all the math he’s been taught,” and being able to solve problems that he’s “struggled with.”

Ms. Yau-Jong Twu, Francis’s physics teacher for three years, said that he has a “great spirit” and “positive attitude” and that she truly appreciates his “positive influence on the classroom.” She continued to say that his greatest asset is how much he contributes to class discussions. She said she recognizes that Francis is not afraid to be wrong, because he knows that both right and wrong answers help further understanding of the subject.

A student in the Science and Technology Program, Francis participates in a variety of clubs and programs, including Robotics, TLC, Students for Social Justice, and National Honor Society.

He specifically likes the Students for Social Justice club, stating that it is not as “stuck up or stuffy” as some students think. He said he really enjoys the opportunities the club gives him to “meet new people,” as well as to learn and discuss issues many face in society today.

In his free time Francis said he really enjoys “drawing and painting.” His favorite subject to draw is faces. Since they are some of the more challenging objects to draw, Francis said they give him the ability to “see himself improve.”

According to Morgan Ottley, 2017 class President, Francis is “a great person to be around,” and “genuinely cares about everyone.”