Be Someone Founder Orrin Hudson receives award at President George H.W. Bush’s farewell ceremony

Atlanta’s Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, founder of the Be Someone mentoring program for youths, was one of the “Points of Light” honorees selected to attend the Dec. 5 farewell ceremony for the award’s founder, President George H.W. Bush.

Hudson said the organization designated Dec. 5 as his “Point of Light” Day. He became the 6,408 Point of Life honoree with the recognition and was pinned during a ceremony. The DeKalb County resident said he also will receive a certificate that was signed by President George H.W. Bush.

President Bush died Nov. 30 in Houston at age 94. His wife of 73 years, Barbara, passed away in April.

The funeral for the nation’s 41^st president took place at the Washington National Cathedral.

The farewell ceremony was held at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., where Hudson and other Points of Life honorees paid their respects.

Hudson said attending the ceremony was a pivotal moment he will always remember.

“I am so humbled to be chosen for this award. It was an honor for me to say farewell to President George H.W. Bush and participate in such an historic event,” said Hudson, 55. “I am very proud of this award. I feel like we are kindred souls in that I’m also committed to serving people just as President George H.W. Bush.”

Hudson has used the game of chess to mentor and empower more than 55,000 children in 30 states nationwide and internationally, including trips to the Philippines, India and Canada.

The Points of Life organization is recognized worldwide for its dedication to extraordinary volunteer service.