Who We Are

Khiry's Story

Khiry is 22 years old and recently graduated from Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School, an alternative high school in Manhattan, with a lot of hard work and help from Advocates for Children of New York!

When Khiry started high school, he was placed in a school that did not have any of the accommodations or services he needed. For four years, Khiry waited at home to get another placement, during which time he received only infrequent home instruction. In 2009, Khiry was finally placed in a local public school, but was put in a special education class that moved too slowly for him.  After passing all of his courses, Khiry was moved into an integrated co-teaching classroom where he continued to succeed, but was surrounded by much younger students.  Khiry was focused on getting his diploma and planning for life after high school, and he wanted to find a school that would help him achieve his goals.  Khiry contacted AFC for help. Fortunately, AFC was able to find a school willing to accept Khiry. In the fall of 2010, Khiry started attending Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School where he thrived. He took college prep classes, made lots of friends, and graduated with a local diploma in August 2011.  Khiry is now applying to colleges and looking for internships. He plans to major in  journalism and is most interested in sports broadcasting.

“I never would have been able to finish high school and get my diploma if AFC hadn’t stepped in to find me the right school.  They have been so helpful to me and my mother – I don’t think we could have done this without them.”