atschool By: Bailey Hemphill Photo by: Cherie Phelps
Young Heroes proudly sponsored by:
Young Hero: Sydney Yost os t S ydne y Y
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elissa Yost has always had a close-knit family and a social work background, so she is familiar with unique relationships; but it wasn’t until she started taking in foster kids that she found a young hero and someone who changed her life— her daughter Sydney, who she says is a “dropdead beautiful kid inside and out.” Sydney came to Yost in foster care with her 16-year-old biological mother. The teenage mother went into foster care because she and her family had had issues with drugs, alcohol, and imprisonment; an environment in which Yost knew the then 19-month-old baby Sydney could not be raised. When the teenage mother aged out of the foster care program, Sydney stayed and was eventually adopted by Yost on National Adoption Day in 2003 at age 5. “We both wanted to adopt each other,” says Yost, explaining that Sydney always felt like she belonged to Yost’s extended family as she was growing up—she even looks and acts like Yost’s sister.
Yost believes Sydney is a hero because she has a heart of gold. After spending time with her cousin with Angelman Syndrome (who was also recently featured in the July 2011 Young Heroes) and volunteering at the National Walk for the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, Sydney decided she wanted to become a special education teacher. “She doesn’t see people with disabilities as people with disabilities,” Yost adds. Sydney has an inner light that shines through, which makes Yost know there is something very good and pure about her. She is a great role model because she makes good choices and is constantly encouraging and helping others. Above all, Yost is amazed at how Sydney has grown up, especially knowing what her life could have been like had she stayed with her biological family. But Yost proudly states, “She’s nothing like that.” Sydney knows her biological family’s background and strives to find friends that will not lead her down a similar path.
familySPECTRUM
Family Spectrum and Omaha Storm Chasers would like to honor your Young Hero. Send nominations to Bailey@OmahaPublications.com.
• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •
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