On June 12th, Michael graduated from high school with Summa Cum Laude status—and with grace far beyond his years.

He’s a scholar, an athlete, an Eagle Scout, and above all, a young man with deep heart and quiet strength. He was recently admitted to his dream school, UCLA, and is preparing to take this next big step in the fall.

But just weeks before graduation, Michael’s father—who had been mostly absent from his life—passed away suddenly. Days before, Michael had made the brave decision to visit him in the hospital, hoping for connection and healing. He shared with his father all the things he had missed: football, becoming an Eagle Scout, earning a biliteracy seal, plans for college. He even hoped to invite him to graduation.

There was hope for a new beginning. Then, heartbreakingly, that chance was lost.

Michael chose to keep this loss private so he could focus on the milestone in front of him—graduating, celebrating, and looking toward the future. He didn’t want grief to eclipse joy.

Many friends, family members, and mentors have asked how they can help. This fund is one way to honor Michael’s journey and support his next chapter at UCLA. With no college fund or inheritance left behind by his father, Michael and I are shouldering the full weight of college expenses ourselves. While he’s been working two jobs to help make it happen, I’d love to give him the chance to start this new chapter with a little less pressure and a little more room to thrive and focus on learning. Every contribution—no matter how small—goes directly toward tuition, housing, and essentials as he moves from this bittersweet moment into a bright future.

If you can give, thank you. If you can share, we’re grateful. And if you can simply hold Michael in your thoughts, that means the world to us.

With love and appreciation,

Michael’s family