Victim Of Haiti Earthquake Named Valedictorian Of Boston School
BOSTON (CBS) - Henderson K-12 Inclusion School senior Joe Freddy Francois knows how to pick up the pieces of a broken life and rebuild.
"Not living with my parents has been the biggest challenge," Joe Freddy said. "I chose not to give up when you find yourself in the most difficult moments and persevere to those situations and propel you forward."
This 17-year-old speaks from experience. Joe Freddy is from Port-au-Prince and was only 11-years-old when the deadly earthquake struck Haiti.
He and his family were displaced from their home. That's when his parents sent him to Boston to live with his aunt and attend the Henderson K-12 Inclusion School.
At the time he couldn't speak a word of English. "It was very challenging to communicate with people but I kept on trying and reading books to learn the language," Joe Freddy said.
Not only did he excel in English, but in every subject. He was just named the first ever valedictorian of his school.
"It feels great it's testament to the hard work I put in over the past six years," Joe Freddy said.
His aunt can't stop smiling. "When he told me he was valedictorian I was so excited," Edeline Marcellus said.
Joe Freddy will graduate next week then it's off to college. His dream is to become an architect so he can go back to Haiti and help rebuild.
"I felt privileged to be here and accomplish my dreams and would not been able to if I stayed in Haiti. It must've happened for a reason," Joe Freddy said.
For Joe Freddy his biggest life disaster has led to one of his greatest blessings.
