Ask any kid what they like most about school and they’ll often mention recess, lunch or physical education. Not Gino. “Chapel,” he said without hesitation. The sixth grader always looks forward to singing songs of praise and learning Bible truths when the student body meets on Fridays at Suburban Christian School in Indianapolis.

Gino is our most recent addition to the Cindy Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund. For many years this scholarship has allowed us to send certain Youth Center kids to Christian schools, giving them not only a spiritual boost in their life as a believer, but also an educational lift that far outpaces the public schools in our area. Currently, we send students to Suburban Christian School.

Gino’s story began last year when he started attending the Good News Youth Center after school and then during the summer. He heard how Jesus died for kids like him and accepted Christ as his Savior! Gino was baptized and developed a hunger for God’s Word. When it came time to consider potential scholarship recipients, Gino’s name rose to the top.

Gino’s sixth grade teacher said he is studious and a joy to be around. “Gino is a wonderful student to have in class,” she said. “He loves to volunteer to read in class and actively participates by answering questions and joining in on class conversations.”

Gino loves math class but still places Bible study above it all. He’s already looking ahead to what he will do when he’s older:  “Probably be a pastor or a doctor. Or I might be both.”

In the scholarship program our Tutorial Coordinator takes the kids to school each day, packs their lunch, picks them up after school and then keeps track of their grades and provides homework and project help as needed. Gino hit the ground running and has been doing well with the higher standards that accompany Christian schools. Science and history are challenging for him at the moment, but with your prayers and the love and support he receives from the Youth Center staff, Gino has a very hopeful future!