Cory Boldon spent 3 years in Minnesota's Foster Care System.

When Cory was placed with the Boldon family at age 11, it was her seventh placement—this included two failed adoptions and the threat that if she “failed” in her adoption with the Boldons, she would be sent to a home for juvenile delinquents. She had missed most of first through third grade. The physical abuse and neglect she had received while living on the streets would seem to have prepared her for a life of desperation and defeat, but Cory never thought of it that way. Instead, she focused her life on learning and service. As an A honor student and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member, Cory has excelled in the classroom. She is majoring in Child Development and is an assistant teacher on her way to obtaining her Elementary Education degree. A list of her accomplishments and activities only reinforces what she means to her community and to the kids in her life: Cory has worked with her sister's Family to Family program since May 2002, mentoring foster care children and children of families dependent upon social services; she has worked with the Salvation Army's Project Breakthrough since 2006 and Bridge-Builders—for children of incarcerated parents—since 2007. She was a national finalist for Disney’s All Star, recognizing youth who give back to their community by serving others. She was March 2004’s “Amazing Kid of the Month” (amazingkids.org). She received the Caring Youth Award for mentoring youth in the Hennepin County system of her home state of Minnesota, the National Daily Points of Light Award for “individuals and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service,” and the President’s Service Award (Bronze, Silver, and Gold). Cory’s dedication to helping other kids and her commitment to public service belies an upbringing few children can even imagine. Toughened and educated by a life on the streets, inspired and driven by a passion to work with kids and expand their future, Cory is a genuine inspiration and an outstanding young leader.

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2011 Outstanding Young Leaders
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