‘Lost Boy of Sudan’ speaks to Paul PCS Student-Athletes

On December 14th, 201, Lopez Lomong, one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” spoke to the student-athletes at Paul International High School. Lopez Lomong came to the United States as a refugee. His fortitude and grit allowed him to become a two-time olympic athlete and the United States flag bearer in 2008.

Paul International High School is a community that prepares students for college and life in a global society .

“You are blessed to have this school, and all these opportunities,” Lomong said. “The children of Sudan would love to have this school. They go to school out under a big shade tree, with no books. Our university doesn’t have the books that you have here in your school. You must stop complaining to your parents and to your teachers because you are so blessed to have what you have.”

Each year the students at Paul are responsible for one level of global competency.

Mr. Lamong's visit to Paul is in line with their mission of global education and served to expand the students’ awareness of Sudan continuing problems. Mr. Lamong was one of the 35,000 “Lost Boys of the Sudan” who fled to Ethiopia to escape the Second Sudanese Civil War that ended in 2005. They fled a second time from Ethiopia, when that country became embroiled in its civil war, and only about 16,000 survived.

In addition to speaking with students about the opportunities they have been provided and not taking them for granted, he spoke about the level of dedication it takes to make it as a professional athlete.