Deshawn
While the cards have been stacked against Deshawn, he has not only overcome adversity, but has excelled during 16 years in foster care. He has an amazing spirit and his drive to succeed is contagious among his peers in Summit's Connection program.
Deshawn is thankful for what he has gained through the program: "Connections has helped me learn to trust again. I don't think I would be as driven without the support of Connections."
Deshawn entered the foster care system when he was two-years-old. Shortly thereafter, he became a ward of the state and has since lived in five different homes. Now Deshawn is on his way to a successful emancipation and looking forward to a bright future.
He graduated this spring from High School with a 3.25 GPA. In addition to Connections, Deshawn was also a part of Upward Bound and AVID (college prepatory programs) and holds a part-time job at Bethel Care Center Nursing Home. He also was recently awarded the ACAP scholarship from Augsburg and the St. Paul Optimist Club Scholarship. He plans to and pursue a double major in communications and history.
Update: Deshawn has just completed his first semester at Winona State University and is on the Dean's list.
Markita
When you meet Markita, you'd think she grew up in a stable, supportive family. She didn't. Markita's siblings were torn apart when her mother lost custodial rights because of neglect.
Markita is on the B honor roll in high school. Active in her church choir, she has big plans to have a singing career. If that doesn't work out, Markita would like to study sign language. Her younger brother had autism and only communicated through signs. Unfortunately, he passed away, but this has fueled Markita's interest in helping children with disabilities.
Before joining Summit Academy's Connections Program, Markita lived in more than 20 foster homes. Sometimes the county moved her to another foster home and sometimes she ran away from where she was placed. Markita can't remember how many different schools she's attended, and there was a time when she didn't want to meet any new people because so many had come and gone through her life.
Markita likes all aspects of Connections Program from homework to guest speakers to field trips. While in the Connections Program, "The staff helped me realize some people are in your life for a season, some are there for a reason," she says with wisdom far beyond her years.
As a result of the Connections Program, Markita has been in a stable home and does well in school. Markita has now graduated from high school on the B Honor Roll. She currently attends Minneapolis Community and Technical College and is still actively involved with Connections.
