Biography

My name is Stephen Alex Sais. I'm 24 years old and was born and raised here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I come from a very large and loving family, where I have a younger brother who is 14. I grew up very active in my church, and was always involved in many sports. I graduated from Del Norte High School in 2001. During my high school years I was involved at Queen of Heaven Parish as a leader in the high school ministry group where we would meet weekly, as well as put on retreats twice a year. I also became an usher at weekly mass; and when I wasn't ushering I was singing in the choir.

Shortly after graduating high school, and six days after the 9/11 tragedy, I left to Marine Corps boot camp. Due to a broken foot, it took me until March of 2002 to receive the honor of becoming a United States Marine. Upon graduating boot camp and taking a well deserved ten week vacation at home, I returned to San Diego to attend infantry school. After completing infantry training I was selected to the security force field in the Marine Corps. After intense and difficult training I got stationed in Pax River, Maryland where I guarded planes that are very vital to our nation's nuclear assets. After only being there a couple months I was transferred here to Albuquerque to care for my mother, who became ill with cancer. At the age of 19 I became my mother's primary care taker as well as helping care for my younger brother who was only 9 years old. As my mother's illness became worse, and after two year of service, the Marine Corps respectfully expired my contract and awarded me a honorable discharge. Almost a year later, my mother lost her battle with cancer and past away in March of 2004.

Shortly after returning home from the Marines I quickly became involved again with my parish. I became and continue to be a leader with the young adult group ministry, began ushering again, as well as singing in the choir. In addition to those, I have become a leader and a chaperone for the high school ministry. I was also nominated and have been the youngest person to be a representative on Queen of Heavens' pastoral council. I have also recently became a representative on the evangelization and outreach committee. Outside of my parish I also have helped lead a program called Child Share, where we baby sit 15-20 foster kids while the foster parents enjoy a night out paid for by the program. I have also participated for 3 years in the annual Relay For Life event. While keeping busy with all this I also am a proud veteran of the Marine Corps and currently working as an Appraiser for Bemalillo County. In the next couple of years I intend on becoming a police officer as well as getting married to my girlfriend of four years.