In 2008, Executive Director Georgia Mjartan was impressed by Michael’s introduction of
Our Club to a visiting Girl Scout troop, & she asked the polite & well-spoken 8-year-old to
be one of Our House’s featured speakers at 2009’s Standing Ovation event. “It stunned me,”
modest Michael says about being chosen to be the event’s youngest speaker. “I’d never been
a good speaker, in my opinion, but I think I did ok.”
This year he is in his school’s TAG and AP preparation programs
and is considering a career as a pilot. Outside of school, he plays
second base and outfield on the Tigers, a baseball team with the
Arch Street Youth Association. Michael stays connected with
Our House through My Picture Perfect Summer. He was proud
to have been placed in the oldest age group last s ummer even
though he was a year too young. He no longer has trouble fitting
in and being liked in any group. This is no surprise. As one of his
school-mates proclaimed, “Michael is nice to everyone!”
The wise 12-year-old is quick to rattle off a long list of positive
effects of his Our House experience that will be with him for life.
“I’ll reassess my goals. It’ll help me achieve more. I’ll be kinder to
homeless people because I know it’s not their fault. I won’t be
selfish. I’ll always give. I’ll be a lot better person than I would’ve
been if I hadn’t been here.”
continued on page 14: Morrison’s profile