Kelly Caputo is a senior at Harrison School of the Arts. Kelly is actively involved in her school’s technical theatre program where she has excelled as the Technical Director, Master Carpenter, and Assistant Stage Manager for nine plays since 2011. Kelly is also a member of the National Honor Society. She is ranked seventh in a class of 111 students. Kelly also has over 800 community service hours. Kelly has proven to be a motivated, industrious young lady.

Kelly would like to further her education and major in neuroscience. Becoming a neurologist or neurosurgeon has been her goal since she was ten years old. That is when Kelly’s younger brother was diagnosed with autism. This sparked Kelly’s interest in the study of the human brain.

Kelly plans to give back to society by becoming a mentor to students who have the intellectual ability but are lacking financial resources to attend college. Since she has maneuvered these waters Kelly could guide students along their path to success.

Kelly knows that college will be a new challenge, but with the support she has received from her family and programs like Take Stock in Children, it is a challenge she will eagerly embrace.

At three months of age, Victor Sims entered foster care in 1996, due to violence in his home foster care in 1996, due to in his home. His time in foster care can be measured in years -11- as well as families -8. Victor said the hardest part about foster care was when the families did not adopt him. He felt that he had done something wrong.

When Victor was 11, he went to live with Ron and Violet Sims. It would prove to be his last foster-care placement. Ron and Violet legally adopted Victor in 2007. Including Victor’s biological sister, Victoria adopted in 2004, the couple has a total of seven adopted children.

As he grew older, Victor began to understand the value of his 11 years in foster care. He shares, “I think God gave me all the families for a reason. One family taught me that attendance in school was important. Another family encouraged high grades. I never missed another day of school, and my grades went from C’s to A’s.”

Victor participated in National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Marine Corps JROTC, and numerous community service events while attending Polk State Collegiate High School. Victor received the 2013 Foster Club Outstanding Young Leader award for which he traveled to Washington, D.C., during National Foster Care Month. In 2014, Victor earned his high school diploma and his AA degree from Polk State College. During this time, Victor maintained the responsibilities of a shift manager at a local McDonald’s restaurant.

As a Take Stock in Children scholarship recipient, Victor is currently attending University of South Florida, St. Petersburg. He is pursuing a degree in psychology. Victor’s desire is to encourage and support children in the foster care program. Victor’s life goals include owning a McDonald’s restaurant and adopting a child.

$10,434.00 is what it takes for a student like Victor to attend two years at a state college and two years at a university.