Family Housing program participant Anthony is a rising star

The recipient of the 2008 Simpson Housing You Are Remarkable Award is currently a 6th grader at Nellie Stone Johnson Community School in north Minneapolis. Anthony and his family entered the Simpson Transitional Housing Program in May of 2007. He is the oldest of five children and is the big brother that all of his siblings look up to.

Education Support Advocate Rachel Kuehl says of this award recipient: “I have worked with this young man for the past year and in that time I have witnessed a rising star. The 2007-2008 school year was a huge success for him. He finished the school year with 100% attendance, never missing a day. He attended both Simpson Attendance Reward Trips and his goal is to do the same for the upcoming year.”

While maintaining his perfect attendance, he quickly began to excel in school. During the 2007-2008 school year he participated in the Simpson Tutoring Program, working one-on-one with a tutor to improve his reading and math skills. In December 2007 he was tested for the Gifted and Talented Program at his school and passed with flying colors. Through this program, he takes classes in advanced reading and literacy experiences, plus science enhancement via a Young Inventor’s Fair. He is also quite an actor. His school theatre instructor and directors says: “I am a huge fan. He is one of the most talented actors of his age that I have ever worked with. He has a great gift for comedy and characterization and totally immerses himself in the characters he plays.”

Through the mentoring program Bolder Options, he meets weekly with a mentor, exploring new interests, doing homework, setting goals for the future and training together to run three community marathons. A strong bond has been formed and this recipient is continuously sharing stories of what he has accomplished through this program and with his mentor.

He has already begun talking about his plans to attend the University of Minnesota when he graduates high school.  His mother recently participated in a pilot parenting course through the Minneapolis Public Schools which allows her children to attend the U of M tuition-free. The entire family enjoys talking about their plans and goals for the future. Simpson Family Advocate Tom Balsley, adds: “This young man is a part of a hard-working, determined, and caring family. I have seen the way his parents’ faces shine with pride when they discuss his accomplishments.”

This award recipient is a child with endless potential. His determination and drive is limitless. Regardless of the situation, he always keeps a positive attitude and has a gift of bringing joy to others around him. Rachel, his Education Support Advocate says: “I look at this child and I see our future…and it is in great hands. He makes me think of the quote from Fern Narod: ‘Children should be seen and heard and believed.’"

Photo: Tom Balsley, Simpson Family Advocate; Anthony; Rachel Kuehl, Education Support Advocate.

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