This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight someone who has quickly become a joy to have around Mychal’s After School Program: 11-year-old Keshawn. He’s one of our newest students and also the youngest in the program, and while he arrived a little on the shy side, it didn’t take long for him to warm up and settle in. These days, he walks in with a smile that everyone looks forward to.
If you’re ever looking for Keshawn, there’s a good chance you’ll find him gravitating toward anything sports-related. Football and basketball are his go-tos, and he loves playing both with his dad. He’s also a big fan of card games- mostly UNO- and is always ready to get a game going.
One of the things that stands out most about him is how naturally thoughtful he is. Marlene, one of our ASP support staffers, says he asks all the staff how their day is going- every single day- and he genuinely cares about the answer. That kind of sweetness is pure Keshawn, and it’s part of why he’s so loved by everyone here.
At home, he’s surrounded by a team that’s cheering him on, including his parents, two sisters, and their family helper, Andria. Mom, Aubbrina, beams when she talks about the changes she’s seen. “I’m so proud of my Keshawn. He’s really doing good,” she says. Andria also plays a huge role in the everyday moments that help him flourish. Together, they’ve built a support system that lets Keshawn grow into the independent young man he’s becoming.
Watching his confidence bloom has been one of the highlights of having him in the program. He laughs more, joins in more, tries new things, and carries himself with a little extra spark. That’s the magic we love to see- the slow, steady transformation that happens when a young person is encouraged, included, and believed in.
We’re so grateful to have Keshawn as part of our Mychal’s family, and we can’t wait to see all the places his big heart and bright spirit will take him.
