Support Elias Alley: A Brighter Future Awaits

Hello, our names are Tia Aurandt and Taylor Hinkle, former graduates of Bellwood-Antis School District. We greatly appreciate you taking a moment to read Elias Alley's story. Many have been shocked and blindsided by this story, in which we will be informing you of. We find it very heartbreaking and hope others can open their hearts to his story like we have. We want to try to prove to Elias that he can have a better future with your help.

Elias Alley, age 19, has had many important roles in our community lives, such as a brother, a son, a grandchild, a friend, etc. Elias is a kind, brave, courageous, heroic young man, but most importantly he is a survivor. He was very passionate about wrestling and had dreams of going somewhere with it. He also loved coaching and was known to mentor his little brother in wrestling as well. Sadly, the pain others have caused him during this chapter of his life finally consumed him. Unlike most children attending school and involved in sports, he did not get to pursue his passion as it was awfully interrupted.

Bellwood-Antis School District has allowed young Elias's innocence and school dreams to come to a terrifying end. Everyone is aware that teenage years are hard, especially in today's world. Everyone is also aware of the potential for incredible growth and reward during these years if young ones are given the proper support.

In February of 2019, Elias was sexually assaulted behind Bellwood-Antis School doors by his wrestling coach. The atrocity young Elias was forced to face while attending wrestling practice by his coach will forever haunt him. With adult witnesses not stepping up to help him right away, young Elias feels even more abandoned and alone. Many staff members at this school since then have proceeded to try to cover it up like nothing happened, pushing victims involved to switch to cyber school. The school swept it under the rug, to the point where not all parties have been arrested to this day. This investigation has had to be reopened three years later for another two school staff members to be arrested, and even then, not everybody has been arrested. One of the individuals that had been arrested with felony charges has been let back at the school again, one who has done even more to hurt our community other than that stated in this case.

Elias has been faced with hurtful emotions along with criticism from others that nobody should ever have to deal with, especially at his young age. He has endured such cruel and evil behavior by the ones he should have been able to look up to and trust. Even worse, at a place that is supposed to protect and love our children. Bellwood has unfortunately let down this child as they have with many other children with very little condolences, future help, and sympathy.

We want to prove to Elias that he does indeed have individuals that care about him, want him to have a good life, as well as find his light in this darkness.

Elias needs financial help, as he allowed his mental health issues that have been caused by this school to overcome him late one night. Elias was in the wrong with his actions, but so is the school he committed crimes at. Nobody was physically hurt with what Elias did, unlike the many who have been physically hurt by the school. He entered the school after hours and proceeded to light garbage on fire in the wrestling room where he was sexually abused. That room continues to haunt him every day, and many in Bellwood continue to use it as if nothing has happened in it. This school is also getting a whole new wrestling room and equipment with ease as well now while he sits in jail getting more corrupted and let down by the system.

Please help him fight this battle with us. Please help show this teenager that he can find light and happiness again. This town has painted him out to be just the kid that got molested, and now even worse. We want to show him he can be more than that kid that got his innocence stolen from him by this school system. Every donation made will go directly to helping him with his repercussions. When Elias is finally able to be free, the money will then go towards getting him the mental help that he has been in dire need of.

His abuser and the two teachers' bail that were arrested for their crimes against this teenager only equal a fraction of what his currently is, as the most true evil ones just get a slap on the wrist. We are asking for help from everyone to not let this school and system ruin another young soul.

Thank you for taking your time in reading this and educating yourself on Elias's story. Most importantly, thank you for any and all donations, no matter the amount, in hopes to also help save this teenager's life.

Elias Alley, you will have a bright future full of love and support that you have always dreamed!