Hero In Me Finalists: Mangwiro & Reyna
Every day at Escape Ministries, students who have been labeled as “failures” or “troubled youth” defy the odds to overcome family turmoil, addiction, expulsions, court sentences, deceased & incarcerated parents, and yet still somehow hang on. The Hero In Me program at Escape Ministries celebrates these heroic youth and helps the community to see beneath the surface – to peoples’ hearts and stories.
HHS is proud to have two students recognized as Hero In Me Finalists:
- Anotidaishe Mangwiro
- Juan Reyna
They both win $1000 scholarship each, and a college/career-ready backpack stuffed with a laptop and more, along with continued mentorship into their future endeavors.
Anotidaishe Mangwiro
That feeling I got when I first started volunteering is something I want for the rest of my life. I want to travel across borders as a doctor and help people in impoverished places, while fostering peace and unity. I want to demonstrate that every life is valuable by saving and inspiring as many as I can, regardless of race, religion, or the borders that separate us all.
Juan Reyna is a senior at Holland High. He is a true hero, overcoming a speech impediment and incarcerated parent to lead his family well. He is known for his courage and work ethic. He was a part of Escape's youth group and jobs program and on the Holland Wrestling team.
Today, I am proud of the man I’ve become. People have counted me out before I could even get the words out. People with dads in prison usually end up in prison too. But I’m not a statistic. I will be a high school graduate, a college student, and a role model for my brothers and sisters.