Who is Philip from Ghost Girl: The True Story of a Child in Peril and the Teacher Who Saved Her and what is their importance?

Philip is also a student in Torey's special education class. He is a black child dealing with the aftermath of a premature birth and drug addicted mother. Philip has difficulty speaking and often Torey cannot understand what he is trying to say. While the students are sharing their Christmas wishes, however, Philip makes Torey understand that he wishes for Jadie to be able to stand up straight.