TEEN – PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT

This young lady’s journey from high school dropout to “leader” is a breathtaking look at how effort and determination are rewarded with success. At 16, her life turned upside down when she became responsible for working to pay rent, and help take care of her family. She tried juggling full-time work and school, but after five months she made the decision to drop out of school and work two full-time jobs. As hours at work increased, so did the needs of taking care of her family. The reality of her decision came as she watched her friends cross the stage at graduation last June. In her own words, “It hit me like a speeding garbage truck.” It was then that she made the wise choice of creating a new plan with her mom in order for her to finish school. Moving to Spokane to find better opportunities her and her family had to spend the first two months living in a garage. Soon they found an apartment and then became involved with the HEART Program who helped their family get kitchen supplies, bedding, and clothing. After getting the much needed help this award winner made the decision to get involved by giving back: to the community programs that had provided them support. She made it her mission to give back and get on track. She took leadership in her school’s Key club and dedicated herself to helping “Council Closet” grow into a resource that any family in Central Valley can access in times of need. She is now an A and B student, and takes independent study courses to get caught up while continuing to work 20 hours a week. She is an inspiration to her peers and teachers and shows amazing determination and perseverance.