This is Cale Richards performing at Bethany High School one week after his graduation. BHS is in Bethany, Oklahoma. If Oklahoma is the buckle of the Bible Belt, Bethany is where the buckle is manufactured.One thing hasn't changed since I went there 30 years ago. My mom and sister went to school there too. The athletes get all the attention and the choir kids are geeks. Cale is a unique soul who, in his own humble way, loves himself MUCH more than he cares what others think about what makes him happy. He has always pursued what he loves and consequently excelled in the arts. Bethany has had chearleaders for 104 years now. Trivia question: How many of those chearleaders have been guys? Answer 1. Cale Everett Richards. He was damn good at it too. Cale endured more than his fair share of ridicule. He was bullied and a few of the kids made fun of him. I've heard Cale express pity for others he viewed as so insecure they had to belittle others to make themselves feel better. Cale is comfortable in his own skin and he is as real as they come. He will return hate with love and what you see is what you get...and more! He's remarkably talented, resilient and individualistic. Some of the kids who gave him the most trouble were at this performance to see the effects of their hatefulness. Cale is smart and determined to be the best he can be, because that is what he wants for himself. I get the feeling from Cale that he views what others think of him and his passions a lot like most of us look at the weather. Its interesting. We might stop and glance at it but, it is what it is and there is nothing we can do to change it so we take note of it and go on. Cale is very talented but there are a few (very few) with more talent but Cale has what it takes in terms of self determination to do big things. Mark my words. . .We are just starting to see the first of what he has to show the world. I am proud to call this loving and special kid my nephew. Not only is he incredibly talented, he is a remarkable, loving and kindhearted young man. Notice the girl in the front row that is crying throughout the performance. Cale does not know her but he saw her out in public and recognized her. He took it on its own to go up to her and introduced himself and offer a few words of unsolicited encouragement. Just one example of this kid's heart, which is bigger than Texas, Oklahoma and the rest of the Bible Belt combined!