East Wake soccer standout Mike Paye has been overwhelmed by the support he has received after he posted a letter online and an article appeared in The News & Observer about his need for financial support so that he could apply for U.S. citizenship.
Paye, 15, a refugee from Liberia, needed about $1,100 to file with his application to become a citizen.
The sophomore now has that in hand.
"The family is completely overwhelmed by the generosity of people," said Debbie Johnson, Paye's legal custodian. "We have the money we needed for the application.
"It is amazing to us how people have stepped up to help him. Words cannot express how much we thank the people who have helped us."
Johnson said none of the checks have been cashed and will not be cashed until the citizenship application is completed and submitted.
Paye is one of the nation's best young soccer players. He has played on the U-15 and U-17 national teams.
Officials at the U.S. soccer training center in Bradenton, Fla., have inquired about his interest in his attending the center, but he must be a U.S. citizen to attend.
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