62 • MARCH 2024
KIDS WHO CARE Aly Vancor Mistie Desper ALYSSA “ALY” VANCOR, NORTHWEST RANKIN HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR, SPENDS HER FREE TIME GIVING BACK TO HER COMMUNITY AIMING TO LIVE OUT HER FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE OF JOHN 15:12. “THIS IS MY COMMANDMENT, THAT YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU.” From an early age, Aly has shown a love for giving to others in need. Parents William and Jennifer revealed that she has always been “a leader in class, in sports, and an all-around great kid who wants no recognition at all for efforts.” “I have an older sister, and my parents have always been involved with helping others, so it was something I grew up seeing, and I have just always wanted to help out.” Aly revealed that her grandmother lives with her and her family, so she has always been around older people and has a deep love for them and the wisdom they bestow. While in the ninth grade, she began volunteering at Cooperwood Senior Living in Flowood, where she spends her time playing games, calling bingo numbers, popping popcorn, and visiting with the residents. It was not long before Aly became close to several of those with whom she was spending time. “I love hearing all of their stories, and they get invested in my life and what I have going on. They are so deserving of conversation and for someone to sit with them.” Along with her passion for helping others, she is dedicated to her academics, sports, and church. Last year, she was the recipient of the NWR Principal’s Award and the Cougar Award for school spirit. Aly is also in HOSA, part of the Health Science Academy, and an active member of the Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and Key Club, among others. She has also been awarded the Service Award twice for volunteering more than fifty hours in her community while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Beginning soccer at age three, she has loved the sport for most of her life. “I love the sport, but I love my teammates the most. We really are a big family and when we are out there on that field, it takes all the stress of life away. We are also taught in soccer to set an example for our peers. I am well aware that others, especially those younger than me, watch me, and I want to be the best person I can be. I’m always thinking about that.” In addition to assisting with soccer camps at NWR, she is the starting goalkeeper at her school along with playing club soccer for Rush United. Aly’s love of being involved and offering herself and her time so selflessly allows her to remain active at her home church of Pinelake Baptist Church as well. “My faith definitely helps me in my overall, everyday life. At church, I enjoy helping with all the camps whenever I can.” With such a full and busy life serving others and enjoying sports and academics, Aly still finds time to babysit, dog sit, and offer dog walking services for those in her community. “I just love being around kids and being able to babysit is so fun for me. I also am a huge dog person.” It’s a natural fit for her. As a junior, Aly is looking ahead to her future. She knows she wants to do something in the medical field and hopes to be able to play soccer throughout her college years. “William and I are so proud of Aly in her awareness of the community around her and that she is always looking for ways to make everywhere a better place. She never seeks to be recognized for anything she does, and she serves with humility and is very humble preferring not to be in the spotlight,” concluded Jennifer. Hometown RANKIN • 63