Student Spotlight: Messiah Lafond

When Messiah Lafond first walked into high school, he carried with him the weight of a difficult home life and the loneliness that comes from feeling like you don’t belong. He struggled to connect with his peers, often shrinking into the background to avoid being noticed. As a freshman, bullied over something as simple as not having new shoes or clothes chipped away at his confidence and made even ordinary days feel heavy. For a long time, Messiah stayed quiet, unsure of where he fit in – until he finally agreed to join the just keep livin program. He now describes that choice as one of the best decisions he has ever made.

From the moment he arrived, fellow JKL students embraced him with warmth and authenticity. For the first time in a long time, Messiah felt seen – valued not for what he wore, but for who he was. That sense of acceptance became a turning point. Through JKL’s after‑school sessions, community service outings, and enriching field trips, Messiah discovered joy in experiences he never imagined having: his first trip outside of Uvalde, his first time ice skating, his first camping adventure, his first visit to the beach, and so many more moments that opened his eyes to a world beyond his circumstances. Along the way, he found a passion for weightlifting, began taking ownership of his physical and mental health, and learned what it meant to feel proud of himself.

But what mattered most to Messiah wasn’t just the activities – it was the feeling of safety he found within the JKL community. The Uvalde program became his refuge, a place where he could breathe, grow, make friends, laugh, and simply be himself. He often shared that JKL days were the ones he looked forward to the most. In this space, surrounded by supportive instructors and students who felt like family, Messiah rebuilt his confidence and discovered the strength he always had inside him.

Now, as he graduates, Messiah stands as a reminder of what happens when a young person is given acceptance, opportunity, and love. For him, JKL wasn’t just an after‑school program – it was a safe haven, a source of hope, and a community that helped him see his own worth. Through JKL, Messiah didn’t just find new experiences; he found himself.