Student A:  At the age of 12, this student was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disorder which caused him to slowly go blind.  He continues to play for his Varsity basketball team, 1/2 way blind, and scored in the last few seconds of a tied game last Spring.  He can't see the glow in the star stickers (his mom placed them to relieve his fear of being in the darkness) anymore, but does not have the heart to tell his mom.  He has shown other what perseverance can do.  He will evenutally be completely blind, but it's his faith in God that'll carry him far.

Student B:   When she was 11 years old, her mother ended a 6 year battle with breast cancer and lost.  She moved to the states from the Phillippines late into Middle school and struggled with the language & cultural barrier.  After her father remarried, her baby brother was diagnosed with brain cancer and survived.  Despite hardships, she has managed to be in her top 2% of her graduating class, competitive test scores, & extensive resume of extracurricular activities.  She said it's through Christ she can do anything....

Student C:  When she was barely 17, she was date raped by someone she was dating.  Instead of letting shame and guilt overcome her life, she continues to entrust her life to Christ and decided to be proactive against sexual crimes that are far too common in our society.  She desires to make a difference and let her past make the BEST of her.  She does this through her growing relationship with God.

Student D:  In the past 10 or so years, this student has been living in several foster homes.  With four other siblings, his mother gave them upto their grandmother (dad left when the children were young) and the State decided the grandma could not provide a healthy living for them.  Bouncing from various homes, he was adopted in 10th grade by a wealthy couple and enrolled in a highly reputable private high school.  During this time, he found out his mother passed away.  After a year, he decided to go back to the group home, but was asked to come back to the private school. (School's president was impressed w/ this student and tuition was covered through the school.)  Another wealthy couple asked to mentor this student until he went off to college and currently he continues to be optimistic although he is no longer with his other siblings.  He looks forward to various opportunities that he may have not gotten if it wasn't for the generosity of others.

Student E:  This student started his own bracelet business at the age of 6.  It all started when his father did not make the PGA cut and the family needed to make ends meet.  From selling his bracelets to handful of small indepedent stores, he was turned down by William Sonoma.  Later that year, he noticed they were selling similar bracelets.  He contacted the President of William Sonoma, sharing his disappointment and they sent him a check.  Now he sells to over 100 stores and currently started another business:  Lacrosse string tying business.  He saw the need and decided to be smart about it.