Michael Zongo, a junior at Clarke County High School, moved from Africa to Grove Hill six years ago as a fifth grader and enrolled in Wilson Hall Middle School.  He could speak no English and neither could his parents.  With help from the faculty, staff, and students at Wilson Hall Middle School and Clarke County High School, as well as support personnel from the Clarke County Board of Education, Michael now speaks English fluently.  He is truly a success story.

      Michael is a very dedicated student who strives to excel in his schoolwork.  He has now passed all parts of the Alabama Graduation Exam with no special accommodations, a feat that many people would have thought impossible.  Michael speaks his native language, More,' and English fluently; he also communicates well in French and Spanish.

     Michael is very involved in extracurricular activities at Clarke County High School.  He is a member of several clubs and organizations and is a drummer for the CCHS Royal Band of Blue. He is also active in the community and in his church, where he is a member of the youth group and a member of the youth band.

     In the future, Michael plans to attend college and major in medicine.  He dreams of becoming a surgeon and moving back to Africa to help the people there.