O’Brian Harris attends Valiant Cross Academy in Montgomery, AL. For his mother, Kristen Harris, Valiant Cross has restored their family’s trust in education and opened the door to a promising future.

“My goals for life are to be successful, raise a family, be a father, be a good father, be a husband, be good man of God, be a mentor to others in the community around me, especially young men of my color. And those are my goals of life,” said O’Brian. 

In 10th grade O’Brian enrolled at Valiant Cross Academy. He quickly realized Valiant Cross was different. 

“Before I came, I really didn’t know too much other than it was an all-boys school. I did a little research and talking to kids, other kids, they said to me, ‘oh, this school is very disciplined, and they take education really serious, you’re going to have a lot of opportunities.’” 

“From my perspective, Valiant Cross prepares me for life by teaching morals, discipline, and integrity. I think that really prepares us for life, whether you’re going into college or going into the workforce or anything military. It prepares you for all levels of life.” 

“When O’Brian got to Valiant Cross, they saw the leadership potential in him. And from their leadership and pulling all the potential out in him, he was accepted back into the National Honor Society,” said O’Brian’s mother, Kristen. 

Now, O’Brian has rediscovered a love of learning and is headed to a great university. Valiant Cross Academy restored Kristen’s trust in education, and in educators.