Motivated to Succeed

Spotlight on a Bottom Line Student

Joseph Ortiz, Claremont Academy '10 Joe has lived in Worcester all his life.  When he was barely 2 years old, he lost his mother to cancer.  With his father in prison and unable to offer support, Joe went to  live with his brother and grandmother. When Joe turned 5, his brother was taken away and placed in foster care because their grandmother could not provide for both  boys. Their grandmother continued to care for Joe in poor living  conditions, until she passed away when Joe was 11. Since then,  Joe has been in foster care. Joe says he did not value his education until he met teachers who  cared about his future. When he arrived at high school, he realized  that his education was important because it would lead him to a  better life. He is now a very active senior at Claremont Academy,  taking honors and Advanced Placement classes, playing varsity  volleyball, participating in a creative writing group, and running for  class president. Joe has almost completed his applications to Wheaton College, Brandeis University, Framingham State College,  and the College of the Holy Cross, among others. His applications will include an  essay about his grandmother. With help from his counselor, Bottom  Line hopes Joe will receive the financial aid he will need to attend  college as a student in foster care. "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do." - Helen Keller