"A family is very important to me. I don't really like the group home; it's not really my choice, so a family would really help me out."

With those words, 15-year old Anthony revealed his deepest hope to find a family to call his own. As a teenager, Anthony knows time is running out and the odds of being adopted grow slimmer by the day, but perseverance is one of his attributes.

Anthony is a polite and respectful boy who enjoyed a day of lessons at the Way of the Dragon Karate School on the north side. Donning his gi, Anthony took on an air of concentration and learning. It was as if he was preparing to do battle with the past that has left him bereft of a family.

He bowed as his teacher, Alex, ran him through some basic defensive moves. Anthony, who is very bright, caught on quickly with a grab, a snap and a kick. "This is hard," he said. "I can see how Karate can help me stay on track with discipline and activity," he added.

Anthony admits he has lots of energy and likes to keep busy. He plays basketball, football and runs track at school. He also likes hiking and camping. Track has been the best inspiration for Anthony's school work. "It helps motivate me. If I don't get good grades, I can't do it," he said.

Video games also occupy a lot of Anthony's time. He's really into all versions of Halo and likes Grand Theft Auto. He says he likes them almost as much as candy.

Having a big wad of candy is a measure of a good day for him. "Candy is good. It makes me happy!," he exclaimed. Anthony prefers gooey fruit candy; he does not like chocolate.

Another food that makes Anthony happy is chicken wings. "I can eat as many Sardella's wings as you can buy," he said. "They are the best!"

Anthony has a very caring and giving side. He says he wants to find a way to save as many unwanted animals as possible from being euthanized. If he had the money he would build a "no kill" shelter for any animal that is running out of time. Given a choice between hanging out with animals or humans, Anthony would choose four legged creatures. While he's very social and likes people, he said, "Animals don't judge or misunderstand you." Opening a doggie-day care is the career he's already identified for himself. He relishes the ability to play with, feed and clean up after the dogs; he wants to be as tired and satisfied as they would be.

Acting has become a new area of interest for Anthony. He's attended a Broadway acting camp and recently completed a Free Arts acting session. Doing comedy and being the funny guy is his favorite role. Taking on different roles excites him and he really likes the people he meets in theater.

Anthony has clear thoughts about a family he'd like to share his humor, compassion and activities with. "I'd like a fun family with brothers and sisters who are active and would support me. I'd like us to travel, go camping and watch movies together, and hopefully they would come to my sporting events," he said. It would make me feel really great to actually have a family for birthdays and have somebody I could lean on," he added. He'd also like a family that might want to pursue Karate, now that he's had his first lesson.