[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ike many kids his age, incoming Lehman High freshman Michael Alegria’s hobbies centered on his friends.

Hanging out with his buddies, along with video gaming and a passion for art, are all things Alegria has enjoyed.

“All around he’s a good kid,” Sandy Blanco, Michael’s mother, said. “He gets good grades in school. He took a couple of (Advanced Placement) classes last year and in the 7th grade.”

Little did Blanco realize that a trip to t...