February 1, 2015
Each year, One Family Illinois strives to uphold its 100% high school graduation rate, compared to the national average of 50% for children in foster care. So far in 2015, our high school seniors are off to an amazing start.
One of our youth named Aliyah*, 18 years old and a senior at Lockport Township High School, distinguished herself by graduating early on January 10th. Initially she was expected to complete her courses in May and graduate with her peers. Due to much hard work and a great deal of dedication to her studies, Aliyah was able to complete her courses five months ahead of time – a wonderful achievement that deserves recognition.
Aliyah came to the Lockport Village in 2009 and was living with her two older twin sisters. Today, her two sisters live off the Village, but the three remain close and are often in contact with one another. Aliyah’s One Family Illinois foster mom, as well as the team of case workers and administrative staff have advocated for her social and emotional needs while in school. As a care team, they feel that Aliyah is an intelligent, capable, young woman who continues to exhibit a number of remarkable qualities such as fortitude, persistence, and an unstoppable drive to accomplish her goals. While completing her high school education, she found time to venture into her hobby of cosmetology and work a part-time job.
Aliyah already is enrolled in college and starts classes next week at Joliet Junior College. With goals of becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, Aliyah lives each day by her motto, “Success is the key.” We certainly believe that Aliyah has a bright future ahead of her and wish her much success.