Life hasn’t been easy for Julien Elementary School fourth grader Kcody Rogers.
Kcody has survived domestic violence and unstable living situations that have seen him enrolled in seven schools in two states since he was in kindergarten. To this day he and his mother, Michelle Frye, remain essentially homeless and are temporarily residing in the Faith Living Recovery Home in Turlock.
But Kcody is a survivor and a fighter. In his life he has had many run-ins with law enforcement and he looks up to them for the help they have provided him and his mother. Kcody wants to be a police officer when he grows up, because he believes they have had his best interests in mind in all interactions.
“I’m so proud of him and he really is an amazing kid,” Frye said. “For all that he’s gone through, domestic violence, moving, homelessness he has overcome everything to become a great kid. He’s so caring of others and he wants to help others and when I told him that if he wants to become a police officer he will have to arrest the bad guys too and he said he knows that and he wants to help them.”
Thursday, at Julien Elementary School, Kcody was given an honorary award by Turlock Police Chief Robert Jackson in front of all of his classmates at school. It made his day – and his living situation disappear, even if for just a moment.
“The smile on Kcody’s face was unforgettable and he will remember this day for the rest of his life,” said Julien Elementary School Principal Linda Murphy-Lopes.
Jackson met with Kcody for a short period following the award presentation and told Kcody that he hopes to see him with the police force in 10 years.
“I’m proud of you, don’t give up. Its never easy, just keep working,” he said.
During the award presentation Jackson told the students at Julien that anything is possible with hard work, determination and dedication.
“Sacrifice to make yourself better and to make those around you better,” he said.
Last month Kcody was honored as an “Every Student Succeeding” by the Stanislaus County Office of Education, an award which recognizes children who have overcome enormous challenges and gone far beyond expectations.
Kcody enrolled at Julien Elementary School this year after facing behavioral problems at his previous school.
“He just needed a shove in the right direction and he is really working hard to make good decisions now,” said Murphy-Lopes
At Julien he has had zero discipline referrals and has earned the Caring Character Counts award for his class. He is learning to ask for help with assignments and has improved greatly with homework and classwork assignments. The only absences or tardies on his records this year have been for counseling or medical needs pertaining to his ADHD and PTSD diagnosis.
“Kcody is a true gem who believes he is important and a valuable asset at Julien School because his teacher, campus supervisors, office staff and administration always take time to listen to him,” said Murphy-Lopes.
Currently Kcody’s mother is looking for a stable residence in Turlock so he can continue to attend Julien next school year. To help Kcody and his mother, call Faith Living Recovery Home Director Karen Eubanks at 209-622-6987.
