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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