claim to fame
Zoe Portis is in 7th grade at Trinity Presbyterian School. She’s got
a large, loving family and a great group of friends. But only a few
years ago, a seven-year-old Zoe’s picture looked much bleaker.
She lived in a mud hut in Ethiopia where she had to walk miles
for water and felt the pangs of real hunger all to often. She had
no education. After the deaths of her entire family, her future was
uncertain. But when Cole and Joy Portis adopted Zoe and brought
her to their home in Montgomery, she was given the opportunity
so many children take for granted, the chance to go to school.
And it was a chance she seized. Despite not knowing a syllable
of English, she entered 1st grade. Her enthusiasm for learning
pushed her past the language barrier, and by the end of 2nd grade,
she was in the highest reading group and won the trophy for most
Advanced Reader points. “It is the accomplishment that I am most
proud of,” she said.
all-around achiever
josef jackson
Zoe’s academic progress has been stellar for any student and
made even more impressive by what she’s overcome. Her pure
determination and zeal for life have earned her the admiration of
teachers and friends. She was recently voted class favorite. She runs
cross-country, plays soccer and basketball and is learning more of
her native language, Amharic.
But her gratitude and gracious manner truly set Zoe a part.
“God has been so gracious to me. I have a wonderful family and
friends who accepted me and welcomed me with love.” She’s
considering devoting her life to mission work. But she’s also
interested in being a model. “I love fashion and being in front of
the camera. I am always posing for the camera and I love it!”
PG (parental guidance) rating
zoe portis
“My parents have done so much for me I don’t even know where
to start. First of all, they adopted me and gave me a future. They
brought me to their home, and I am able to say I have a Mom and a
Dad. They have been great role models to me by showing me what
love is and teaching me about Jesus.
parents’ perspective
Cole, a local attorney, and Joy, a stay-at-home
mom have been overjoyed to see the young lady
Zoe has become. “When she got the AR trophy, I
was blown away,” Joy said. “She attacks everything
with that same passion: soccer, piano, basketball,
running, friendships, helping with her siblings,
missions, etc. She realizes she is blessed with many
opportunities and she doesn’t take them for granted.
We are blessed to call her daughter! “
Cole and Joy know that some of who Zoe is comes
from her early childhood. “She has so many life experiences that have shaped her character and attitude. I
just encourage her to keep her focus on Christ and His plan for
her and the gifts He has given her,” Joy said. “She recently returned
to Ethiopia on a mission trip and her passion and love for Ethiopia
is so evident. As her mom I try to recognize areas where she is
gifted and areas of interest and provide opportunities to mature
them as she explores life.” Cole echoed his wife. “Even after losing
her biological mother and father, as well as her beloved grandmother, God instilled in Zoe a wonderful nature to be content in
her circumstances and to do her best in the environment where
she is placed. Zoe now understands that God was working all
things together for good. As a result of her confidence in God, she
genuinely is kind and generous with others,” he said.
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