Sarasota teen honored by the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation is honoring a young Sarasota woman for her achievements despite facing challenging circumstances growing up. 

Sara Friesel, 18, has won one of the foundation's Triumph Awards, which recognizes high-achieving youth served by the Guardian ad Litem program.

“We could not be prouder of Sara – and her Guardian ad Litem,” said GAL Interim Executive Director Dennis Moore. “Youth aging out of foster care face unique challenges and need their support systems in order to achieve their goals.”

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Friesel was appointed a GAL while in foster care during high school. She lived in several group homes until aging out last spring and transitioning to independent living.

A Guardian ad Litem is a court-appointed advocate responsible for protecting the interests of a minor in court proceedings. The GAL serves as the direct link between a child and the court, making objective recommendations for the child's best interest.

Friesel admits growing up in foster care was difficult, but with the support of the GAL foundation, she overcame her obstacles. Friesel graduated from Braden River High School, has a job, and is enrolled at the State College of Florida, where she is studying to be a travel nurse. 

“Really all of them in the Guardian ad Litem fund were all a great help to me,” said Friesel. “They all were always on my side and were encouraging me to do great things and were always so proud of my success. I really needed that because I didn't have anybody else to be proud of me in my situation.”

Friesel says the GAL program was a tremendous help in guiding her when she needed support. She believes the program pushed her to stand up against the odds. 

There are eight Triumph Award honorees this year. All will receive scholarships and MacBook laptops from the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation. 

“She needed to prove to herself and everyone else that she was going to be something – and she is going to be something,” said Friesel's GAL Sandee Woods. “She’s a fighter.”