In the summer of 2012, the orphanage where Anne Marie had lived for 2 years was suddenly shutting down. There were no longer funds to support the 30 or so children who lived there, and the caretaker had begun placing the children with their extended families, friends, or really anyone who would take them.

Peterson, who has lived at the Lighthouse for nearly his entire life, turned 18 on August 12. He will begin his junior year of high school next month. After he graduates, he hopes to attend university and become a successful entrepreneur.