On the volleyball court, Angel’s serves often lead to aces. The sophomore day student is an agile player who hustles during games and rallies her teammates with encouragement. Those characteristics are part of the reason Angel was chosen as this season’s team captain for the Lady Bulldogs.
“Angel showed up every day for summer workouts and never complained,” said Akira Levy, athletic coordinator and head volleyball coach. “She put in a lot of hard work and made sure her grades were always up. Angel stepped into a role she was kind of nervous about taking on. She did a great job, and I think Angel has grown a lot as a person, as a player and as a teammate this season.”
When she’s not in athletics, Angel spends her time in the cheer squad, student advisory board and the Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) program through the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce. Angel’s true passion, though, lies in her studies.
“Math is my favorite subject,” Angel said. “Mrs. Patterson is the best math teacher ever. She and my other teachers, the MCH staff and my classmates are very important to me. They’re my community and an extra support system I don’t have at home.”
Angel came to MCH four years ago and enrolled in the residential program.
“I was really disrespectful then,” she recalled. “I did not want to better myself at the time. After moving back home and enrolling in the Day Student program in 2023, I realized I wanted to change. I find comfort in this program because of how the staff supports me as I grow into a better version of myself.”
Amy Grisham, director of school support, shared, “It is a pleasure to support Angel — through the good times and the hard ones.”
“When I met Angel, she was this cute, little spitfire,” Grisham said. “Her personality was big, and it still is, but Angel is much more mature now. She has been through a lot, and we have witnessed her resilience and strength in everything she has faced.”
During her time at MCH, Angel has learned to use her voice to serve others, too.
“She is quick to advocate for her needs and those around her,” said Cortney Richardson, student events and volunteer supervisor. “As the cheer squad coach, I have seen Angel grow in her passion for others. She is 1,000 percent a natural leader.”
Looking to her future, Angel is confident and determined to achieve her goals. The 15-year-old dreams of attending the University of Texas at Austin to become an occupational therapist.
“I like helping others and understanding them on a deeper level,” Angel said. “I want to have a big family, too! I’d like to adopt six kids — maybe even more.
“I hope to become successful and financially stable because I don’t want my kids to experience what I did growing up. I don’t want them to worry about when they will be able to eat again and when the lights are going to get turned back on.”
The Day Student program staff believe Angel has a bright future.
“When Angel commits to something, she commits,” said Clarence Degrate, Day Student program coordinator. “She is serious about whatever she wants to achieve in life, and I love that about her. Some days as staff we ask ourselves if we can continue to do the work. Then we have sparks, like Angel, who make everything worthwhile.”
“I absolutely agree with Mr. Clarence; Angel is a big reason why we keep doing what we do,” said Allyson Welch, Day Student program case manager. “Angel is breaking through all the hard things she has endured and moving forward in a positive way. That’s amazing.”
Angel is grateful for the community she has found in the Day Student program. The balance of structure and nurture have helped her “feel accomplished.”
“I would recommend this program and MCH to anyone,” Angel said. “I love these people. If someone really wants to change for the better and needs extra help, the Day Student program is here for them.”
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