Melanie

Melanie, 8, was one of the bright young faces Evangeline and I met there. She was joined by her family, including her 5 year-old brother, who all donned matching shirts in support of her. She and her brother love playing and wrestling together, her mother Jhoanie says. Melanie also likes to paint, play with her baby dolls, and play on her tablet. Melanie's favorite movie, Coco, is about a young boy in Mexico who inspires his family as he follows his heart and his love for music. Melanie's mother says that every day they learn something new from her, and that she's independent, capable, and "a very happy, smart child."