Mr. John Larsala is a selfless man. He came to the United States 10 years ago as a Refugee from Liberia and is now a citizen of the United States and is making a positive difference in our community. He came with very little and has given so MUCH that I would love to see him honored. He began working with children with special needs soon after his arrival and my family was a recipient of his wise, passionate, and steadfast caring. I have custody of my grandson who has some unique and special needs and I was told by his kindergarten teacher that he should be placed out of home. A blessing befell us by the name of John Larsala who made sure that not only my grandchild remained in the home and school but also in the community. John helped him to gain skills that have now almost 9 years later shown to be the launch for an amazing young man. John has also owned a business and has built quite a tutoring support for more than 90 refugee children to make sure that they are successful academically, socially and emotionally. He is working on his LPN so that he may better serve children in the Mental Health and special needs arena. This is all part of an amazing man who also happens to be a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and an active member of his church always willing to lend a helping hand. He and his family were just displaced by a fire on Sunday, November 28, 2010 that took everything they have worked so hard for the past 10 years; this included the home he so painstakingly worked for and loved their two vehicles and every other thing they owned. John stands strong stating that he will once again come back from nothing. I hope that you will consider my nomination of this amazing man.

Signed,
Rene. a. Kuehne