Tiesha Pardon-Dalton is a young woman from Blacklick, OH who will be attending Ohio State University in the fall where she plans to get a degree in hotel resort and restaurant management. Her dream is to open a hotel and restaurant that will ìone day become a trademark vacation spot During her high school career she was active in many activities including DECA, a group of marketing students, and Youth at the Booth, where she helped at voting booths for the presidential election.

Samantha Monteiro is a young woman from Dartmouth, MA who just graduated from high school. Samantha had been in 25-30 different foster care placements and 4 middle schools and 2 high schools before being adopted at age 17. She credits her mentor for making school a priority in her life and helping her turn her grades around. Because of her dedication and hard work she will be attending Bay Path College in the fall.

Robert Garcia is a young man from Reseda, CA who loves all sports, especially football because he loves the ìpursuit of physical and mental excellenceî that drives his spirit. Robert and his siblings grew up in the foster care system, but after twelve years, his older brother was able to adopt him and his younger brothers and sisters. He will attend classes and play football at Los Angeles Valley College in the fall. After college, Robert plans on joining the Los Angeles Police Academy, which will prepare him for his future career as a law enforcement officer.

Chadwick Zakrzewski is a young man from Cornell, WI who wants to dedicate his life to helping others, either by becoming a therapist or a personal trainer; he aims to help people feel good about themselves. Chad is active in his youth group where he has organized food pantries and he enjoys playing sports. In the fall, Chad will be attending Chippewa Valley Technical College.

Jessica Greiner is a young woman from Lincoln, NE who has volunteered at her local hospital for the past two years delivering toys and games to the patients. This fall she is excited to be attending Nebraska Wesleyan University where she plans on taking her general education classes before declaring a major in either Criminal Justice or Psychology.

Timothy Powell is a young man from Smithville, MO who recently graduated from high school and will attend Longview Community College. Tim was placed in foster care at the age of six and was in 12 different placements before being adopted by his family who he says taught him ìwhat it means to be a family and the feeling of belonging.î

Lea Willoya is a young woman from Lomita, CA was placed into foster care at birth. While in care, she would have visits with her grandfather, and one chance visit changed her life forever. Her grandfather introduced her to a distant relative who immediately fell in love with her, and eventually Lea was adopted into her family. Lea has a huge interest in anime and will attend Los Angeles Community College in the fall where she plans to develop her creative style and learn fundamentals of color perspective and form.