Tagged: my life my town

It was winter break of her senior year at Harrisburg High School when Shirley LeBlanc, then 18, found out she was pregnant. She was shocked by the news. Her family, particularly her mother was there to comfort her. Shirley’s son Grayson was born in July 2011. LeBlanc, now 19, struggles with the loneliness and challenges of single teenage parenthood. However, her faith is the thing that keeps her together. Producer Kevin Cook brings us this story, as part of KBIA and the Columbia Missourian’s My Life, My Town project.

Jared Thomassen is a junior in Ashland always looking for new goals to achieve. He is an avid long distance runner and placed second in the Duathlon at the last Show Me State Games. If that wasn't enough, Jared takes on music as well. He's been in band since elementary school and is a part of Southern Boone County High School's competitive marching band. Producers Erin Dismeier and Naveen Mahadevan bring us this story, as part of KBIA and the Columbia Missourian’s My Life, My Town project.

Alaysha Jefferson loves cheerleading at the Hallsville High School in Hallsville, Missouri. Living in a small town that has the population of 1,300 and without a car to drive around, Alaysha has a quiet life. She spends her time in classes, cheerleading practice, and doing homework at home.