Rising above illiteracy, a diagnosis of severe dyslexia, and obesity, Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) employee Kebba Kanuteh served as Class Salutatorian at his graduation from the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (P.I.T), May 13.

"I've had a long journey through the years and am so thankful for the friendships I have made. All the support from the Navy has changed my life completely," said Kanuteh, noting that, in addition to family, many of his supervisors and co-workers also joined in his graduation celebration.

Kanuteh's journey to NSWCPD began in New York City, the place of his birth. However, during his youth Kanuteh's path took a detour, all the way to Africa. After turning 10, he was sent to live with his grandparents in Africa. While in Africa Kanuteh was not able to attend school. By the time he returned to the United States at the age of 15, the lack of schooling, coupled with dyslexia, meant that Kanuteh could barely read. This was a great disappointment to his parents, and to himself. On top of this, the frustration and depression Kanuteh felt led to significant weight gain.

Kanuteh knew he needed a fresh start.

In 2004, at age 19, Kanuteh moved to Pennsylvania in order to attend Philadelphia Community College. Unfortunately his severe reading disability disqualified him from college acceptance.

Needing to keep moving forward, Kanuteh found contract employment as a janitor at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Kanuteh began using his lunch break to tackle his weight problem. His positive, can-do attitude at the gym soon caught the attention of then-Naval Ship Systems Engineering Station (NAVSSES) engineers also performing lunch time work-outs. In a year's time Kanuteh shed more than 100 pounds, but gained many new friends in the engineering community.

"The engineers became my family so I told them my story. I made so many friends through what became a 'team work out,'" said Kanuteh.

Kanuteh was so inspiring that it was not uncommon for nearly 100 employees to participate in these work-outs.

"I felt good, as now I was giving something back to the Navy," said Kanuteh. "And I am still doing it to this day!"

All of his positive interactions with Philadelphia's engineers led to a new dream for Kanuteh; the dream of becoming an engineer.

Through his infectious personality, a lot of leg-work, and a program for individuals with disabilities, in 2008 Kanuteh was able to secure a position as a management assistant at NAVSSES.

Once on-board, Kanuteh's engineering "family" encouraged him as he completed his high school diploma, and subsequently went on to attend P.I.T., where he earned his science and engineering associate's degree in May. During the ceremony, Kanuteh was also recognized with the PIT Engineering Program Award.

"Kebba had the vision that he could do this... When he realized he had the capability to learn how to read, he wanted to be an engineer. That's quite a leap, and he will do it!" said Glenn Ward, NSWCPD Machinery, Research, Logistics & Ship Integrity acting department head, one of several of Kanuteh's long-time supporters.

Kanuteh's vision is becoming reality. Today, as a member of NSWCPD's Sustainment & Modernization Branch (Code 213), Kanuteh supports the installation of equipment on various Army boats such as LSV, LCU, and LT classes.

When he is not supporting the engineering work of NSWCPD, Kanuteh enjoys motivating the young people of Philadelphia. He regularly shares the story of his challenges and triumphs with kids, particularly those from the inner city. He also acts as a mentor for students at Chester Charter School for the Arts and West Philly High School, spreading the word about NSWCPD's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs.

But Kanuteh is not done with his education. He is already enrolled in a program to earn a baccalaureate degree in electrical engineering.

"I have learned the importance of a positive attitude, hard work and connecting with others. My experience has shown me that when you have a positive attitude and let your needs be known, people are willing to help you in every way," said Kanuteh, adding "It is the magic of love that when you share it, it comes back to you tenfold. That has been the story of my life."

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division provides the Navy's primary technical expertise for naval machinery research and development and in-service engineering, as well as machinery cybersecurity and lifecycle engineering.

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