Stela Michael

She lived with her mother who cuts grass for a living. Her parents were forcing her into marriage, so she now lives with her grandmother near Lesiraa School who disagreed and tries to provide the best she can. She was first in her year group in her final year at Lesiraa School, and gained 195 out of 250 marks in the national examinations.

Stela started Kipok Girls’ Secondary Boarding School in January 2012. She is being sponsored by Debbie Nicholson, a member of staff at Acklam Grange School, and Elizabeth Nicholson, a pupil at Acklam Grange School.

Debbie has taught Music and Drama at Acklam Grange since 1988. Prior to joining Acklam Grange she taught in Liverpool and London. She has one daughter, Elizabeth. She enjoys playing the piano and has accompanied several choirs and played keyboard in the band for musical shows at various venues including Middlebrough Theatre.

Elizabeth is a Year 10 student at Aklam Grange. Her hobbies include singing and playing the piano. At weekends she enjoys being a member of the Stagecoach Theatre Arts School. Elizabeth has been an active member of the school community throughout her school career and her current roles include being a Peer Mentor and a member of the Anti-Bullying Committee, school orchestra and two school choirs. She is also working towards gaining a Bronze Level Duke of Edinburgh Award. Elizabeth has been lucky enough to have been chosen to be part of the 2015 Africa Expedition and is excitedly looking forward to meeting Stela.