October Spotlight: Meet Ori from Trinity Lutheran School
October 27, 2025
Meet Ori a Kindergarten student at Trinity Lutheran School in Litchfield Park, Arizona.
Ori’s biological grandparents, Tom and Lynda Smock, adopted her and shared the family’s story with us.
Ori’s entrance into our world was a miracle from God. Neonatal substance exposure and weeks in the NICU fighting opioid withdrawals were her challenges she fought through and thrived. Ori’s mom is unfortunately a fentanyl addict. Ori was placed in foster care, and we (her biological grandparents) became her foster parents and later we were promoted to her adopted parents. Ori has since passed all her neurological and physical milestones. The summer of 2024 was a challenge for our family. I had to take medical leave and even with an ankle replacement cannot return to work as a hospice nurse. This unexpected crisis has strained our family budget. After much consideration, we have enrolled Ori at Trinity Lutheran and are committed to helping earn tax credits/scholarships for her tuition expenses. Trinity is unfortunately very familiar with NAS children (drug exposed). They are willing to make educational accommodations to help meet Ori’s needs.
Ori starts each day ready to spread sunshine. She is very empathic and if a friend is upset, she wants to console them. While on the tee ball field if a child misses a catch, she shouts words of encouragement. During athletic cheer practice, Ori conquers her fears and tries new stunts all while praising her teammates. Ori has an active imagination and she loves to play dress-up with her baby dolls, cooking meals and pretending to be a Mommy. Ori loves to gather eggs from her chickens. She has a small egg business and delivers eggs to customers in decorated egg cartons. The money she earns she is saving to buy a car, which is all her idea. Ori also helps feed her horse and dogs. She is responsible for getting her oldest dog ready for bed as he needs extra attention. Ori loves exploring Arizona, riding on Jeep trails, fishing and hiking
Ori loves Sunday School class and is excited to share what she learned. Months later, we still hear her shout the lines from the Christmas pageant. At school, Ori is a kind student who likes to follow the class rules. Chapel is one of Ori’s favorite days at school, she will tell you that singing makes her heart happy. As her parents, we want Ori to attend a Christian school. With a solid Christian foundation, Ori will be able to face, with confidence, the challenges of the outside world.
Ori has been active in Tee-ball, dance and competitive cheerleading. She has attended and passed Adventure Trails Jeep academy. “Jeeping” is one of her favorite pastimes. Ori is a member of Clover Buds, the junior division of 4-H. She will be showing her beta fish at the Maricopa County fair next Spring.
Ori shared with us, “That you must go to U of A in Tucson if you want to become a teacher. She wants to be an art teacher because kids need to learn that there are no rules to art and it is all beautiful. Then, I want to sell my paintings.”
“Ori is truly a blessing to have in the classroom. She has a wonderful love for learning and consistently gives her best effort in all academic areas. Her positive attitude and eagerness to grow inspire both her classmates and me each day. Ori’s dedication and joyful spirit make her a delight to teach.” – Mrs. Haddad, Ori’s kindergarten teacher.
Lynda summarized their feelings by saying this, “Through the generous donations of the Arizona Leadership Foundation, Ori can attend the school that best supports her learning needs. ALF’s funds are changing her future!”
About Trinity Lutheran School:
Trinity Lutheran School in Litchfield Park, Arizona, joyfully prepares students—from toddlers as young as 12 months through Grade 8—to become confident disciples of Christ through both academic excellence and spiritual formation. Grounded in a mission to “prepare our students to be disciples of Christ through exceptional education with a firm foundation in God’s Word,” Trinity delivers an enriching, faith-filled environment where students learn to lead, inspire, and serve. Our accredited Child Care, Preschool, Primary (K–4), and High School Prep (5–8) programs ensure a seamless, nurturing experience tailored to each developmental stage, supported by small class sizes, daily Bible studies, weekly chapel services, and specials like Spanish, PE, and music. As a WASC- and NLSA-accredited institution, Trinity not only meets rigorous standards of academic and spiritual integrity but also embraces innovation in teaching to empower faculty, enhance achievement, and inspire service learning. For more information you can visit: https: trinitylutheranschoolaz.org
