Lesley's Story

"Lesley is a junior in high school and is on track to graduate with her associate's degree at the end of her senior year," said her mother, a U.S. Navy Veteran in recovery. "It hasn’t been easy for her."

"Lesley is a dancer — she teaches dance at a studio located in a military town. She shares her love of dance with children and is a mentor and a positive role model for all the children that enter the studio. Taking time to get to know her students, helping them when they are struggling, and relating to them when they are struggling with deployed family members and relocating friends. It’s not an easy life but she has lived it, with two parents in the military. She understands better than most what it means to be resilient and true sacrifice. She has the kindest heart and truly cares about each and every child that crosses sees her path in life.

"Lesley gives her time in our community working on community murals to beautify our small town. She volunteers to teach dance in our local schools through the DINO (Dabble in New Opportunities) program run by the Boys and Girls Club. She has also devoted many hours to fundraising for the dance team’s Booster Club, which decreases the cost of fees for dance team members. She has performed at local assisted living facilities, bringing the joy of dance to the residents that would otherwise not be able to go to dance performances.

"Lesley was forced to learn to be resilient, with two parents in the military. She learned to advocate for herself. You wouldn’t believe it now, but if you met her when she was young, she was extremely shy! Once she began dancing and was selected for the competition dance team, she gained confidence and the courage to dance in front of hundreds of people! She teaches the dancers that same confidence by preparing them to get on the stage and perform at competitions and recitals."