Greetings!
Why do stars shine?
Intense pressure and extreme heat at the core of a star allow nuclear fusion reactions to take place, releasing an enormous amount of energy in the form of gamma rays.
Aside from the physics lesson, this process also describes our Rising Star students. The intense pressure, life altering events, that they have not only endured but embraced, make them shine brighter with each day.
Two of these young ladies spent much of their youth in the hospital. Their health battles will be life long, but their experience inspired them to create a foundation that spreads sunshine to others through gift baskets and to raise awareness and funding for research of rare afflictions.
Three of our stars truly shine through their leadership skills and compassion. They have discovered that challenges are opportunities for personal growth and an open door for helping others succeed as well.
Two of our stars are what many of us know as Dreamers. They were brought to the U.S. at a young age as their families sought a better life. And now they are caught in the middle of the immigration issues that our government is attempting to sort out. Their future is uncertain as what they have known their home to be has not been legally solidified. Through their tears, they bravely shared their hopes and dreams to be citizens of the country they have grown to love.
The event was lived streamed on Facebook by our friends at the Times Advocate. If you have a chance to see it, you will be inspired by these Rising Stars...and dare I say, challenged as well.
Sincerely,
Rorie Johnston
