The Price School Alumnus Credits God, Her Parents and Price’s Affirming Culture
Built on the belief that we belong to one another, Ruth Betty Oppong shines as a bright example of what’s possible when you trust God, lean in, work hard, and serve others. The former Price Schools alumnus who just completed her second year of a full-ride scholarship to Pepperdine University in Malibu, thrives from a lifetime of intentional, faith-fueled actions.
Her parents, Emmanuel and Celia Oppong, were married by Apostle Frederick K.C. and Dr. Betty Ruth Price, Founders of Crenshaw Christian Center. Ruth Betty is affectionately known as Dr. Betty’s namesake — her parents’ tribute to the resolute mother of faith and supreme example of one who has sincerely loved God from an early age. Ruth Betty has followed this same path — loving God from an early age and belonging to a caring, affirmative village, whose love and support for each and every Price student has positioned more than 10,000 lives for success and world impact.
Ruth recounts how her father would pray over her daily before the start of school. “My Dad would tell me, ‘You’ll be great. You’ll be successful. Your name has meaning.’” she recalls. Her mother also was (and remains) an ever-present, loving, faithful example of a Godly woman. That Ruth was selected for and recently returned from a highly coveted study abroad program in Florence, Italy is a testament to God’s faithfulness. Fifty students participated in the experience of a lifetime, work and learning environment. Ruth was one of two Black students chosen for the program — her solid track record of success at Price, which includes straight As from middle school through high school, coupled with continued strong academic performance at Pepperdine, solidified this opportunity.
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The experience abroad provided ample opportunity for Ruth to apply and grow her faith. Days off afforded trips to Milan, Paris, London, Dubai, and Morocco. “This was the first time I’ve been far away from my parents. I learned a lot about myself, other cultures and how to navigate different customs,” Ruth shares. While in Morocco, she was confronted with strict enforcement about ways in which women were expected to dress and behave.
“Men were rude, and often ignored me and my female friends. It was perhaps one of the most overt instances of racism I’ve had,” she recalls. She used her favorite scripture, Psalm 91:7 “A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you” to carry her through, putting to test the truth of the Word.
Ruth’s training at Price as a young scholar with a 4.0 middle and high school GPA, service as student body president association, cheer squad captain, an ardent member of the volleyball and track teams, co-host of pep rallies, myriad instances of speaking in front of younger students, leading chapel, and class valedictorian, has prepared her well.
In her freshman year, Ruth helped fellow first-year students navigate a Religion 200 course. Peers marveled at her bible knowledge, and she readily assisted them. “God put me there to help them,” she reflects, bringing full circle the notion of belonging to one another. The Business Administration major who is interested in fashion design, also makes time to work in Pepperdine’s Engagement Center. There, she makes calls to alumni and parents to request feedback on their experiences and to provide updates on campus happenings. The often-lengthy calls are great exchanges where alumni and parents love hearing about the alma mater and offering advice to Ruth on navigating life after graduation, and warm invitations to be part of their network.
Ruth acknowledges that today’s world with its mental health intensity are real challenges for young people. Trips home, attendance at church services, and connection to a steadfast community who has raised her and are for her, encourages her to keep going. She stays in touch with her Price friends, most of whom are attending an HBCU, through social media. They compare experiences, with Ruth sharing that she is often the only Black person in her classes. Yet, she has received nothing but love, respect, acceptance and favor at Pepperdine, and she is very grateful for this precious opportunity to build her future and make a mark for God that can’t be erased.
She credits her success to a strong start — her parents, her home of Price and its teachers and staff who showed her the way forward and instilled in her Godly confidence to achieve whatever she sets her mind to.
For nearly 40 years, Price Schools has invested in lives, whether they join from a young age, or at a different stage of life following a move to the SoCal area or upon learning about Price’s unwavering commitment to student success and a values-based education.
Learn more at priceschools.org.
