Alina is a student leader at Sequoia Middle School, where she is thriving. But life hasn’ t always gone smoothly for her. After facing stress at home and feeling overwhelmed at school, she could have gotten off track. Middle school is often a critical time in students’ lives, where their choices determine whether they will make a smooth transition to high school and be successful.

Alina impressed her teachers with her willingness to seek help and advice and take action to better handle the angst and pressure she was feeling.

Earlier this school year, Alina was recognized with a Student POWER Award by the National Association of School Psychologists. POWER stands for progress toward individual goals, optimistic he or she will succeed, willing to solve problems, eager to do his or her best and reaching out to others.

Fresno Unified students Brodie Major III from Lane Elementary School and Guillermo Estrada from Balderas Elementary School were also recognized.

Ashley Trippel, Sequoia’ s school psychologist and the lead psychologist in the Roosevelt region, described why Alina won the POWER Award.

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“ Alina is being recognized for her exceptional progress toward personal goals, unwavering optimism and her willingness to tackle challenges head-on. Alina demonstrates outstanding leadership and school spirit, consistently reaching out to foster a sense of connectedness among her peers. Her passion for making a lasting impact, along with her dedication to modeling positive behavior, makes her an inspiring role model for others.”

Alina cried when she learned about the recognition, and it has inspired her to work even harder to achieve her goals. Based on how she is doing at Sequoia, she is on track to shine in high school and beyond that, college and a career.

She spoke about the struggles she has faced.

“ There was some stress at home. I was very overwhelmed,” she said.

She said she had to learn to express her feelings to those who wanted to help. She discovered the power of music to lighten her mood.

Her advice to others?“ Talk to somebody. Try not to worry so much. It’ s OK to take time away [ from activities ]. Make sure you’ re not surrounding yourself with people who are making it worse. Surround yourself with people who are supportive and love you,” Alina said.

At Sequoia she is a top student, school president and a Where Everybody Belongs leader, captain of the cheer team, in soccer and folklorico dance and manager of the girls basketball team. She plans to attend Design Science Middle College High School next school year because of its dual enrollment program that will allow her to take Fresno City College courses along with her high school classes.

“ I’ m just concentrated on getting the college credit,” Alina said.“ I’ ll be able to start my future job sooner and make money.”

Sequoia Middle School student Alina Zamorano shows off her Student POWER Award.