Houston Charity Gives Scholarships To Amazing At-Risk Kids

HOUSTON, Nov. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- America in Recovery believes in "second chances" and is using scholarships to reward four at-risk high school students with a chance to pursue their dreams.

Their stories are special, and are heartwarming testimony to the drive of teenagers who could have easily given up.

Paul Palmisano endured nine foster homes, and even went to Galveston Ball High School when he was homeless, spending nights in a shelter. His scholarship will help him fulfill his dream of becoming an auto mechanic. The school plans a special ceremony Tuesday morning to honor his drive.

Michael Bredeson grew up with tough odds, a father in prison and a financially strapped mom but now has found a calling in computer science. The Dickinson High School senior plans to be the first in his family to go to college and wants to send a national message, determined to prove the doubters wrong.

Jazalyn Robinson was just 12 years old the first time she was sent to juvenile detention. The second time she was put behind bars she was 14 and pregnant, but she was determined to stay in school as a single mom. Jazalyn is now 17, a senior at Worthing High, and wants to be a pediatric nurse. "No one can take care of my child," says Jazalyn, "It is my job."

Samantha Gonzales of Baytown knew when she was nine she wanted to fight for abused children. The Robert E. Lee senior has to work to help her mom care for five siblings, but she still has time to debate, be the business manager of the school yearbook and keep a 3.98 GPA.

"These students are proud examples of our mission," says America in Recovery founder Larry Keast. "We want to honor these special at risk-kids, because we want them to succeed, not become negative statistics. Government isn't the answer; the answer is business and the private sector."

The scholarships will be awarded to the schools of their choice at a special dinner Thursday night in Houston, and America in Recovery hopes donors across the country will immediately help more dreams come true.

CONTACT: Dolcefino Consulting, Wayne Dolcefino, [email protected], 1-713-389-0810

SOURCE America in Recovery