“I have a challenge in my life and that challenge is dealing with a family without a dad. Every time I hear the word ‘dad’ I feel there is a hole in my heart. ...to make it even worse, I don’t hardly ever see my mother. ...I love my mom dearly, but...I want a dad to love and when I get one, I will be the happiest kid alive.”

by Mary Dingle
5th grader at Key Elementary School in 2001

“An issue I have an adamant opinion on is finding the courage to change…Out of seven of my older siblings who are out of school, none of them graduated on time. None of them gave my mother a chance to smile...at the accomplishment of such a feat. This changed me…A few words from my mother changed me. Of course change takes a culmination of commitment, dedication, and sacrifice, but with great conviction, change can be made.”

by Myranda Livingston
9th grader at Ballou Senior High School in 2013