Student who lived in shack cries when teacher rewards his kindness
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Published 2012-05-17
The 19-year-old spent most of his life in foster care.
With no real family to call his own, the school has been Armando's only true home.
He often spends 12 hours a day there.
Cynthia Villegas teaches English at the school.
She says she'll never forget Mando's caring ways.
"He has nobody to turn to...Parents or family," said Cynthia. "And yet he's so optimistic and he's such a good kid... And everybody who meets him... Loves him."
He volunteers in the library, helps staff in any way and always remains positive, according to Cynthia.
It's amazing for her to see considering he once lived in a shack and still rides his bike for miles to and from school.
Cynthia says he also works a number of odd jobs to help make ends meet.
He's unable to get a real job because he doesn't have a social security number.
"I wanted to Pay it 4Ward to Armando because he gives us hope," said Cynthia. "He's got a good heart and I just want him to have a better future."
Pronto Insurance has the Pay it 4Ward prize.
"Usually it's the staff that's nominated for the Pay it 4Ward program," said Domingo Reyna with Pronto Insurance. "Being able to recognize a student brings us joy at Pronto Insurance. On behalf of Pronto Insurance and Action 4 News, here's $400 for you to Pay it 4Ward."
With the money in hand, Cynthia joins Action 4's Ryan Wolf for the surprise.
Armando is volunteering in the school library at the time.
Ryan: I'm Ryan Wolf with Action 4 News. Are you Armando Beltran?
Armando: Yes.
Ryan: You look very surprised to see me.
Armando: Yes. I have no idea.
Cynthia broke the news to him about the surprise.
Cynthia: Your story inspires us all... Thank you.
Armando: I don't expect things for return for what I've done for them.
The recognition was overwhelming for Armando who started to cry.
He already gets help from some Nikki Rowe staff who donate money from their own pockets for his bills.
The money has enabled him to move into an apartment.
He never realized the impact he was making on other people's lives.
The Pay it 4Ward recognition only reaffirms why he calls his school-- home.
Armando: I live alone, and when I come back, at least I have somebody to talk to. This is my last year and even though I'll come to visit them. I will miss that affection you hear every day. Talking to them... And having a good time with them. It's because I haven't been with my family for a long time. So I've always been alone... So this is kind of my family here.
Bridgette Vieh is the high school's principal.
She believes Mando's impact at school will last long after he's gone.
Principal: He doesn't feel sorry for himself, he doesn't expect things. He's just a real grateful student that's looking forward and he's just a great young man. I just feel like there's hope... That we can raise our kids that way.
While the $400 prize is a shocker, Mando knows he's far richer with family-- His Nikki Rowe family.
Armando: It's just that I really want to have a different thing in my life. I really don't want to live like where my parents lived. I really don't want to worry about that anymore. So every time I come here and I see them (staff) I like them so much, and they helped me so much. It's like a lot of help.
Helping from the heart, it's more way to "Pay it 4Ward."
Armando was born in the US, but at home with no midwife or doctor.
The Texas legal system is assisting him with obtaining a birth certificate and social security number soon.
Once that happens, he hopes to join the military.
Click here to nominate someone for Pay it 4Ward
Click here to join Ryan Wolf's Facebook page
Click here to follow Ryan Wolf on Twitter
All Comments (21)
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why is everyone hating on him for being Mexican ? My family is from Mexico ....its a beautiful place :) no need to hate :) ......And can someone Please give him a scholarship ? Like please ?
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For those that are curious, he received his birth certificate and SSN shortly after this aired and was later awarded a second $400 prize (first two time winner). I believe he has joined the military and hopes to eventually become a police officer. All he wants to do is serve his country and community. Wow. What an outstanding young man.
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He got me inspired, even a little teary eyed, he's got nobody , no family, no home yet he keeps on fighting. I wish him all the luck in the world.
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I can’t imagine growing up and not having a family to be there. So sad.
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It is refreshing to hear of a young man that is living his life to the best of his ability. Hopefully his "school family" will continue to support and love him. Luck and prayers for success in everything he tries to do.
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Guys $400 may not be a lot for college, but this kid needs it, and to him it's a lot, especially for a foster child. Congrats!😊
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he was with me in rotc class he always helped me alot
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A great teacher, a great school and a great young man. May GOD rain down blessings on all of them!💕
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If I wasn't retired I would be proud to serve with this young man.
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$400 is better than nothing. The school could have just let his good deeds go unnoticed and just fobbed him off, but they did a fantastic thing to thank him for his selflessness.
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Who else started crying when he received the 400 dollars Good young man. GOD bless him 😇💜😄😇
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Armando has the heart of a lion. To persevere, to keep grinding it out day after day. He WILL succeed because he has what it takes. I don't care what color his skin is, he is a human being and a winner. This community should be ashamed for allowing this to happen to him. God bless him.
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An amazing young man. He doesn’t take anything for granted and is so humble and grateful. God bless you son
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Wow awesome kid. We all need people as outstanding as him in this world.
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Bless you Armando for remaining a good person despite your circumstances. Good for you.
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This guy always puts others first. Performing good deeds without asking for anything in return. His kindness will take him very far in life.
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I love my teacher so much. I've been going through a lot and my teacher ended up noticing because I usually participate a lot in class and answer questions quickly, but I started to have trouble focusing and I didn't really want to raise my hand or say anything at all. He tried to talk to me three times. But I'm so stupid that I've never let him help. I kind of wish that I had talked to him because he is so kind and I know he would help me and protect me from the other more rude students now that it's summer break. Thankfully, I get him again next year because he teaches two grades and I will talk to him if I still have these problems.
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I hope he becomes very successful and will continue to be blessed, I love stories like this, I don't care what color he is.
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Somebody give this kid a scholarship. Young man deserves to go far. I'd love to hear in the future that he has come back to teach at this school. Seems like he loves it there.
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Hope he finds a good woman gets married, and starts a family so he will have one to love, and get loved back...
