Kearns student already a family success story

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Kearns » In Alex Wiles' family, relatives look up to the Kearns High senior and student-government president.

Alex was raised by his grandma and mom, a single parent struggling to provide for two kids. His dad was rarely around. His two uncles were in prison. And his older brother was often getting in trouble.

When Alex graduates in June, he will be the first on his Latino mom's side of the family -- it's been in Utah for generations -- to earn a high school diploma. More than 30 percent of Utah Latino students dropped out of high school last year.

"I want to break the cycle," Alex said. "No matter what your struggles are, you can still rise above [them]."

As the school year comes to an end, so does Alex's student-body leadership of six years. He has served as the Kearns Class of 2009 president since seventh grade when he attended Kearns Middle School.

Recently -- after the Jan. 21 confrontation and shooting among two 16-year-old Kearns students that left one dead and the other facing a murder charge as an adult -- Alex said there's been a "cloud over our school." So he's been busy trying to help rebuild its public image, make people feel safe on campus and unite students despite their skin colors.

"We can't let what others think of our community weaken our pride and divide us," he said. "No one notices the good stuff we do; [Kearns] is a good place to be."

Alex is a unique student with a "magic touch," and "people like him right away," said Bob Ostberg, a teacher of 23 years and student-government advisor. Not only does he invest 100 percent in everything that he does, he also finds a way to help is he's needed, Ostberg said.

"Most students want to make a difference but are waiting around for someone to tell them how," he said. "But, Alex goes out and does whatever he can."

Julie Fresquez, Alex's mom and an office administrator, said she "knew he was going to be something special," and "he always sees the good in people." Growing up, Alex got good grades and played with the kids who didn't have a friend, she said.

"He knows how to juggle things and stay positive," she said. "He gives me the inspiration to get up every day."

Fresquez said she looks forward to seeing her son on Sundays for church or a quick bite to eat during the week -- even though they live together -- because he's always busy with school or community projects.

"It's like his second family," she said of Kearns. "He's really protective of his school and believes in every student there."

Alex, 17, said he grew up dreaming of becoming a basketball star. When he didn't make the seventh-grade team, a teacher encouraged him to try student government. So he ran for president and won. He still continued to try out for the basketball team, but he never made the cut and gave up in 10th grade.

Now, he's a Kearns legacy. In the fall, Alex, who received a scholarship, is slated to start studying political science at the University of Utah.

He said he plans to stay involved in community organizing and maybe become a lawyer because he wants "to help make a difference in people's lives."

"It would be cool to stand up for people's rights that are invaded," he said.

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