Before she ever stepped into a classroom at Cross Trainers Academy (CTA), MRM’s private Christian school, Skie had already endured more than most kids her age. “We didn’t have a home,” she says of her early childhood. “We moved around a lot.” She was one of 16 siblings, often without stable housing or consistent care.

At seven years old, she was placed in foster care and brought to the home of Ledora — a longtime foster mom with an open door and a big heart. It wasn’t easy at first. Skie struggled with fear, loss and trauma. But Ledora committed to caring for Skie. “I kept saying, ‘I’m not going anywhere,’” Ledora says. Eventually, she adopted Skie.

“We went through a lot,” Skie explains. “But she never gave up on me.”

Still, school remained a challenge. “In my old school, kids fought a lot,” Skie remembers. It was hard for her to focus, and learning often felt out of reach.

That changed in sixth grade, when Ledora enrolled Skie at CTA.

“Coming here, I learned that we need a good education in order to achieve the things that we want to achieve,” Skie says. Now, she’s ready to do the work.

“The teachers really care. They help you fix your mistakes. It’s like a path that leads to growth.”

And Skie has grown — flourishing in so many ways.

Today, she’s a senior with a 4.0 GPA and is preparing for college. She loves math, writing and literature. She’s on the CTA volleyball, cross-country and track teams, and is a member of the drama club and the gospel choir. She’s also very active in her church, where she sings and helps with services.

“Singing helps me express how I feel,” she says. “Even when I sing sad songs, it brings me joy.”

She says the care and curriculum at CTA have helped her move beyond the trauma of her past and to live life to the fullest. And so has the constancy of Ledora’s love.

“As a little girl, I prayed that I would end up in a good home,” Skie says. “Without Ledora, my life wouldn’t have been great. I would’ve been out on the street. It’s a blessing that I got adopted.”

“And here at CTA,” Skie adds, “I have purpose.”

Her dreams are big and focused as she looks towards college and a fulfilling career.

By God’s grace, Skie knows the role you’ve played in her healing and wholeness. And in helping her find the faith and confidence to overcome life’s challenges.

To friends like you who’ve helped Skie along her journey, she says, “Thank you.” With your help, “I’m becoming who God wants me to be.”