ALPHANSO: S1016-KIA

Alphanso has been promoted to the fourth grade this year, and he is continuing to grow into a strong and caring student. His teacher shares that he is doing very well in class and is always willing to help classmates who may be falling behind. His favorite subject is Bible, which he enjoys learning and discussing. Despite the many hardships he has faced, including the loss of both parents and moving between family members, Alphanso remains hopeful and determined. He continues to hold onto his dream of becoming a police officer one day and works hard in school to move closer to that goal. Alphanso’s resilience, kindness toward others, and commitment to his education show how much he values this opportunity. Each year, he grows not only in knowledge but also in confidence and character. Sponsored by: Sandy Lawrence

Alphonso is a 14-year-old boy who, despite facing unimaginable hardships, continues to hold onto hope and dreams for the future. Currently in the 3rd grade, Alphonso’s educational journey has been anything but stable. He lives with his aunt and her seven children in a cramped, three-room mud house. Life has not been kind to Alphonso. Just three years ago, he lost both of his parents in tragic circumstances. His mother passed away during childbirth, and shortly after, his father suffered a heart attack and died unexpectedly. Since that devastating time, Alphonso has been passed from one family member to another, never able to settle for long due to a lack of resources in each home. Every six months or so, he finds himself living with someone new, trying to adjust to different environments, but always feeling the sting of instability. Despite these challenges, Alphonso holds onto a bright dream: he hopes to become a police officer when he grows up, a goal that keeps him focused on his education. When asked about his favorite meal, Alphonso’s answer was simple yet profound: “Anytime I can have food to eat, I am happy and it’s my favorite food.” In the midst of his difficult life, Alphonso values the small moments of comfort, finding joy in something as basic as a meal. Through it all, Alphonso remains resilient, determined not to let his circumstances define his future. With each new family he joins, he carries with him the hope that one day, his dreams of becoming a police officer will come true, and that he will one day have a stable home of his own. Sponsored by: Sandy Lawrence