College : Fresno State Career goal : Teacher

About Allanah : As a child , Allanah Everk lived in a variety of foster homes and with relatives , at one point staying in a storage building that did not have hot water or beds . Life was often so chaotic she did not go to school . Because she moved around , she attended seven different elementary schools . As a result , she didn ’ t learn how to read until the third grade . Still , from an early age Allanah was determined to learn and when she didn ’ t have a ride to school , she would walk . She learned how to take care of herself in elementary school and raised her younger brother . “ I always had to worry about money and food , wondering how my brother and I would get our next meal or how my parents would pay the bills ,” Allanah said . She is now living with her grandmother , but money is still tight . She works during the summer to help pay household expenses .

Allanah said various teachers kept her going through the years , so much so that she wants to be a teacher in Fresno Unified because she knows what a difference educators can make in a struggling student ’ s life . “ I have accomplished so much because [ teachers ] encouraged me to take risks , had faith in my ability and have gone above and beyond to support me ,” Allanah said . She especially wants to help children who struggle with reading and math , just as she did . She was in the color guard at Roosevelt High School and played the violin in the symphonic and concert bands .

In Allanah ’ s words : “ A few of my teachers had a significant influence on my upbringing and the direction I want to take my career . I wish I could express my gratitude to them and show them the person I have become . I have come a long way because of them , and I have performed far better than I could have if they hadn ' t been in my life .”

From Agnes Kamara , color guard coach at Roosevelt High School : “ She assumes leadership with ease and works hard to help others work hard while fostering a positive environment . Even on her down days , she always dealt with rehearsals , performance and her peers with a positive attitude . I am 100 % sure that she will not only succeed , but excel in any endeavor she ventures into .”

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