This year we are pleased to announce that we have five graduating seniors! First, we have Emily. Emily has lived at the National Home for four years. In her time here she has participated in the Work Crew and has volunteered with other National Home children at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek. Emily plans to take a gap year to take part in Americorps NCCC before heading off to college to pursue her passion for the environment! Emily would like to thank the National Home for all of the opportunities they have offered her. Next we have Macaila. Macaila has been living at the National Home for a year and a half years. She participated in 4H and FFA prior to living here and continued to work in 4H with the National Home. In total she has been involved in these organizations for about eight years and is thankful for the leadership skills and responsibility that they have taught her.
She is graduating from nearby Springport High School where she has participated in track and cross country for the past two years. She says the National Home has given her security and allowed her to enjoy her senior year. She is undecided between college or going to a trade school, but either way, she has a very bright future ahead of her! That brings us to Sam. Sam is fairly new to the National Home but already has made plans to participate in many things! He has just started this 4H season and is enjoying raising a pig this year. He is participating in Life Skills classes and will be started on the Work Crew this summer. He is currently working for a moving company as well. Sam is participating in an Early College program through the Eaton Rapids High School in partnership with Lansing Community College. He has completed his high school requirements but will continue with an additional “13th” year and when he is done with that, he will has his associates degree in welding! His plans for the future are to work as a welder. Next we have Ashley. Ashley has lived at the National Home for four years and will be graduating from Eaton Rapids High School where she has played volleyball and been involved in the high school’s Interact Club which provides the opportunity for young people to work together in a world fellowship dedicated to service and international understanding. Ashley will be attending Central Michigan University in the fall. Finally, we have Madison. Madison has lived at the National Home for three years. While here she has done it all! She has participated in 4H, Life Skills classes, worked on the Work Crew, volunteered at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, she has participated in painting classes, and served on the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) at the National Home’s library.
She said these opportunities gave her a sense of responsibility and taught her about being a reliable person.
Madison will be graduating from Eaton Rapids High School where she participated in Young Life, a Christian ministry group for adolescents.
She plans on attending Western Michigan University in the fall.
