Devante is a smart 16-year-old who has big ideas about outer space and the environment. He is passionate about making the world a better place and sees science as the key.
“All I ever wanted to do is science so I can help the environment by creating a better energy source. It’s important that we don’t burn out our natural resources so fast that we kill our planet,” he explained. “My belief is that one person can change the world.”
Especially when it comes to the environment, he wants to be that person.
School is important to Devante and he is a straight-A student.
“I work really hard to keep my grades up,” he said.
Setting his sights on graduating from high school is just the beginning. He also has definite plans to go to college to get his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He dreams about working at NASA one day.
“You can do anything if you set your mind to it,” he said. His motto is: “Don’t be afraid to take your own path.”
Besides being a creative thinker, this multi-faceted tenth-grader is also fun-loving.
Devante’s playful side was in full force during a private pastry-making lesson with Sharon Lunardi at the Classic Cooking Academy. As Sharon taught Devante how to make cream puffs, they traded quips.
“There’s no crying in baking” Sharon teased, to which Devante replied, “When the cook is mad, the food turns bad!”
He loves to joke around and his sincere laugh and broad smile can brighten any room. Cooking reminds Devante of happy memories from his early childhood. Now, he actively helps with cooking duties at the group home where he’s been living for three years.
Devante has a gentle spirit and unwavering kindness. This compassionate, social teenager goes out of his way to help others and loves taking on the role of being a mentor.
He also tutors his classmates in science. In addition to science, Devante loves music. From time to time he will sing and start to dance when he thinks of a favorite song, sometimes even when he is sitting down!
Devante is eager to find his forever family as soon as he can. He longs for the love and support of a family now and through life’s milestones, including becoming a parent one day. Open to any family structure, his bottom line is to have consistent love.
“I’ll be the child they always wanted,” he said. “I need a family to say 'I love you,' who would always be there by my side, and not give up on me. A family would change my life, my attitude, my destiny. It would let my spirit grow back. I would get to finish my life with someone who cares.” He added, “I’ll never give up wanting a forever family and to finally have a place to call my home.”
Watch Devante’s story on the Wednesday’s Child segment between 4 and 5 p.m. today on 12 News. For more information on Devante, call Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK) at 602-930-4900, or visit www.aask-az.org.