When children living in poverty are facing difficulties in life on a regular basis, they not only need help with basic necessities, but they also need words of encouragement, so they can realize their worth and value in the world.

Ms. Wheeler came by the school to meet with students as a local celebrity, but also to offer them words of encouragement and hope.

Recently, our volunteer coordinator, Genevieve, at Sebastian Elementary School, sent us a letter and photos after a visit from Haley Wheeler, the current Miss Kentucky. Ms. Wheeler came by the school to meet with students as a local celebrity, but also to offer them words of encouragement and hope.

A letter from Genevieve

“Ms. Wheeler came to Breathitt County, where our school is located, on one of her publicity tours just a few weeks back. She is from Powell County, but she has extensive relations here in Breathitt County, and we are all very proud of her.

Ms. Wheeler poses for a photo with sponsored child Caleb.

She is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and is currently a graduate research assistant at WKU studying communication disorders and speech pathology. She wants to become a geriatric medical speech pathologist. Miss Wheeler was crowned in June 2021 and has been very busy with pageant activities on top of her other responsibilities. She has been promoting Kentucky agriculture, alongside her personal platform, which involves battling Alzheimer’s disease. She will crown her own successor in June 2022.

We were thrilled when Miss Wheeler visited our own little school. She spoke to the students about determination and the importance of education, and they really enjoyed it. Afterwards she had time for photo ops with a handful of students before she had to leave – and two Children Incorporated sponsored children, brothers Mark and Caleb* were among them! The boys were dazzled. I have enclosed a couple of pictures that I hope you’ll enjoy.”

*Names changed to protect the children.

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How do I sponsor a child in Kentucky?

You can sponsor a child in Kentucky in one of three ways: call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members; email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org; or go online to our sponsorship portal, create an account, and search for a child in Kentucky that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

written by Shelley Callahan

Shelley is the Director of Development for Children Incorporated. She is also the lead social correspondent, regularly contributing insights through the Stories of Hope blog series. Sign up for Stories of Hope to receive weekly email updates about how your donations are changing the lives of children in need.

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