josesmiling

 

Welcome to the U Can Turn It Around Spotlight! This is the place where we highlight outstanding young people! We hear so much negative information about our youth and never hear about our young people that are going above and beyond. This submission is from Rita Karlo. Check out Jose an outstanding young person. If you know of a young person doing great things or that has turned their negatives into positives submit a bio and a picture so that we can honor them! Email us at [email protected].  Like our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ucanturnitaround/?fref=ts  and follow us on all social media at @uturnitaround 

 

Jose Felciano Pratts is an extraordinary 24 year old from Humboldt Park.   He has had to overcome so much.  In fact, many of his friends have already died from the violence in the community.  I have known Jose for the past four years.  He was one of my best students at St. Augustine College.  In his classes, Jose upheld high averages due to his perseverance to learn and dedication to his education. Jose is a responsible and highly motivated young man with much to offer. Over the years, I have seen him grow astronomically.  He received his associate degree and immediately continued to earn his Bachelor Degree in the Social Work Program. He has an overall GPA of 3.8/4.0.

When Jose is not going to school, studying or working, he is in the Humboldt Park community feeding the homeless, volunteering to care for the seniors at Casa Central, giving presents to hospitalized foster children at St. Elizabeth and dressing up as Santa giving gifts to community children.  He was a major contributor in the Chicago water drive to provide needed water to Flint, Michigan residents. He advocates for MAP funding to help Illinois college students afford their education.  He also helps to get funding for the Jeep Club by raising money from a mother’s day dance and toy drives.  He continues to beat the obstacles which he has faced all his life.