Stephen Kirchner

Stephen come to our school in grade 7 (year 8). He quickly become very popular with all the children in his grade, as he was very sociable, fun and a brilliant athlete being part of several school teams. In 8th grade (year 9) he was elected Middle School Student President. However, as the school year was coming to a closure Stephen started getting more and more tired to the point where he was unable to complete a full day of school. After numerous tests, during summer 2008 he has been diagnosed with leukemia. Stephen was out of school for one terrifying year during the treatment, but he returned at the beginning of grade 10, after a successful marrow transplant. Since then he has been involved in numerous activities such as: running for the school Cross Country team in 2009 and 2010; being part this year's 'Namibia' charity trip that the school organizes every summer in order to help other schools in Namibia; getting involved with the UK Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen's determination, positive thinking and willingness to help others are an inspiration to lots of children. Stephen keeps the flame of hope alive in all of us.