Sa Lin, an impressive new student at Bishop Maginn High School, could use some help.

First, he could use a mentor (our new program)  to check up on him from time to time and encourage him.

Secondly, he could use help paying the tuition at Bishop Maginn. His family, who moved here from Thailand in 2009 after their home was destroyed in the Karen genocide, could use some help with tuition.

Bishop Maginn accepts all students regardless of their income. They don’t have to pay the full tuition, which would be nice, but any amount will help the school financially pressed itself.

Also, Sa-Lin, who is 15 years old,  wants to be a New York State Tropper when he graduates. He asked for help in buying the Bishop Maginn school uniform; he needs about $180 to buy a jacket and sweater, and shirt (two sets).

He could also use a set of mechanical pencils. His father was severely injured in an auto accident and can’t work. Sa Lin loves to draw (I’m getting him some mechanical pencils.)

Sa Line says the tuition help would help his family out; they are struggling.

I spent a half-hour with Sa Lin last week; he is personable, funny, and hard-working. I asked him why he wanted to be a state trooper, and he said, “that way, I will get to see the whole state.”

If you’d be interested in mentoring Sa-Lin (the program isn’t about money, but encouragement and support), please e-mail Sue Silverstein ([email protected]).

If you’d like to help him with tuition, please e-mail Principal Mike Tolan, Bishop Maginn High School,  75 Park Avenue, Albany, N.Y. 12202; tuition donations made to the school are tax-deductible.

If you’d like to help me purchase the uniforms and some of the smaller necessities – the uniform, toiletries – you can send me a contribution via Paypal, [email protected], or by mail Jon Katz, Refugee Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

Thank you.