Chauntel is a smart, young woman with a drive to achieve. After being placed in foster care at Youth Villages in the fall of 2006, Chauntel made a commitment to strive higher. She worked hard on personal goals she set with her counselor and foster mother and went from a 3.0 GPA to a 3.5 GPA. She also achieved several independent living goals, obtaining employment and learning to successfully balance her finances. But she recently also achieved two major life goals -- she was adopted by her foster mother in February and graduated from high school in May. Her next goal is to attend the University of Tennessee to pursue a degree in nursing.

"Congratulations, Chauntel, on all your achievements!" Cynthia Burks, a Youth Villages clinical liaison, says. "I commend you for your success, your energy, your amazing spirit and your willingness to work hard at whatever comes your way. You are a true inspiration, and we are all so proud of you!"

Kiara, 5, won the Memphis Foster Care Art Contest in her age category with this beautiful work of art.

The young lady was one of many Memphis foster children who entered the art contest held over the holidays. Winners were announced and prizes given out at the Memphis Foster Care Holiday Celebration.

Congratulations, Kiara!