Long days, long odds do little to discourage Oakland teen

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Apr 7, 2008 | by Sarah Terry-Cobo

"His mom has always been clear that his grades can't drop. A lot of who Aaron is is about how he was raised," and there were always high expectations for him, she said on Tuesday from her office at the school.

Both Anthony Esoldo, Jones' economics teacher, and Anthony "Sam" McNeal, a staff member and mentor to Jones, agree he has grown into a great leader and role model for his peers.

"He never shied away from challenges and always talked about giving back to the West Oakland community," McNeal said. "He is going to be a great example for generations to come."

There could be one positive for having to grow up fast.

"Whoever gets him as a husband is going to be lucky," Chimeon said with a laugh. "He knows how to cook, clean, do laundry and even comb hair."

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