Chanelle is from Central Dauphin High School and was nominated by Kellee Pulaski. Chanelle had a tough start to high school, failing several subjects her freshman year. Kellee became her case manager and helped her turn her attitude and academics around. Through hard work and diligence Chanelle stayed after school countless days, self advocated, developed study skills and time management and was able to thrive. Through her determination and perseverance Chanelle earned enough credits to be considered a senior and graduate with her class.
Chanelle would like to attend Central Penn College or HACC to earn a degree in Criminal Justice.
Kellee says of Chanelle, “Chanelle is a positive, responsible young woman who has balanced school and working in the last two years. She wants to help others and be a positive influence in her community.” Congratulations & Good Luck Chanelle!
Rachel is from Central Dauphin East High School and was nominated by Alicia Hack. Rachel has suffered from sever depression and anxiety, even some suicidal thoughts. She was placed in an outpatient program for several months during her senior year where she attended school and therapy. Through the help of therapy and a very loving, supportive father she has overcome her self-harming thoughts, bullying from friends and toxic relationships from both family and friends.
Rachel plans to attend Wilkes University and major in nursing.
Alicia says of Rachel, “Rachel has been a champion through her rough patches. She has persevered through her obstacles because she knows she wants a happy and healthy future. Despite her hardships, she has maintained excellent grades in school and is still involved in extra curriculars.”
Congratulations & Good Luck Rachel!
Cheyenne is from Halifax High School and was nominated by Susan Ziegler. Cheyenne got pregnant during her sophomore year. She had many complications with her pregnancy that made it difficult for her to come to school each day. She worked with the Guidance Department to ensure she completed all her work to pass 10th grade until she had to be on bed rest. On bed rest she still did not give up. She took online classes at home to finish her sophomore year. Cheyenne’s baby was born prematurely with disabilities, including the loss of a hand, and has to be in the NICU for several months. Cheyenne sat by her baby’s side every day, all day. She realized it would be very difficult to finish high school, but with the support of her teachers, parental support and her own resilience, she did not give up. Cheyenne completed the last two years of high school online and continues to rise above the challenges of having a child with disabilities and her work load as a high school student.
Cheyenne plans to enroll in HACC to study Human Services.
Susan says of Cheyenne, “Cheyenne is a great student with great goals for herself. She had challenge after challenge and she never gave up.”
Congratulations, Cheyenne & Good Luck!
Neamiah has been challenged with raising himself in a single parent home. Although academics are not a focus of his peer group or his family, Neamiah shown resilience and worked hard to achieve the grades he needed to attend college. Neamiah showed talent in wrestling at an early age and found a group of people who truly love and care about his success. Unlike many of his peers he sought out a group of people who gave him support, showed him love and genuinely wanted him to succeed. Neamiah did not want to be another statistic. Neamiah used his coaches and teammates to develop himself into a strong young man and overcome all the challenges in his young life.
Neamiah plans on attending Edinboro University to study Education.
Domineak says about Neamiah, “Neamiah was not always on the correct path; he had struggles, inner demons, apathetic feelings toward school, and many other adverse challenges. Neamiah sought out a scenario where these things would not hold him back but allow him to cope with them and become a strong young man. Neamiah has become a strong leader, member in the community and an excellent student.”
Congratulations & Good Luck, Neamiah!
Myla has struggled financially all through high school. Her mother is very ill and unable to work. Myla has worked whenever possible to help defray her family’s financial challenges. Myla understands the value of hard work and the way in which an education can provide her with a greater chance of financial stability. She is dedicated to her future and is motivated to pursue her goals.
Myla plans to attend West Chester University to study Criminal Justice/Forensic Science.
Tanya says of Myla, “Myla is well respected by her teachers and peers and capable of college level academics where her work ethic will launch her into success.”
Congratulations & Good Luck, Myla
Genesis is from Middletown High School and was nominated by Heidi Tobias. Genesis came to Middletown High School from a very unhealthy situation in Puerto Rico. She spoke very little English and was adapting to a new country. It was immediately evident that Genesis had an intellectual curiosity and strong desire to learn and improve. Through diligent efforts she soon progressed from a special education English class, to a co-taught English class, and finally to an academic English class for the lats two years. Her reading skills permitted her to be exited from the reading class and also eventually she exited ESL support. Genesis not only persevered through a relocation from Puerto Rico, she also excelled in her academics.
Genesis plans on attending HACC Lancaster Campus to pursue her degree as a Radio logical Technician.
Heidi says of Genesis, “Genesis has blossomed from the shy, insecure teenager into a confident, gracious, but quiet young lady. She is involved in many groups and activities and holds a part-time job at Giant.”
Congratulations & Good Luck, Genesis!
Lacy is from Millersburg High School and was nominated by Tracy Barcavage. Lacy overcame many challenges in high school including choosing the right friend group and making the right social choices, but more dramatically overcoming traumatic sports injuries. Lacy tore her ACL not once, but twice. She struggled mentally with the first tear, but was able to return to the field. However, her junior year she tore her other ACL which forced to hold off on plans to play in California and up and down the East Coast for the Summer. This was devastating to her. Lacy worked hard and returned to the field in four months from her second ACL tear. Through her recovery Lacy changed he friends group and her learned to stay out of drama. She now speaks to the underclassmen about making good choices, building a good reputation, the value of self-worth and the importance of good character.
Lacy plans on attending Millersville University to play softball and major in Sports Medicine.
Tracy says of Lacy, “I have been teaching now for nearly 20 years. It is a rare occasion to teach a high school student who has the character, integrity, and perseverance that I see every day in this young lady.”
Congratulations & Good Luck, Lacy!
Tito is from Steelton-Highspire High School and was nominated by Stacey Winter-Davis. As an underclassmen, Tito struggled with focusing on his classes which resulted in him having to repeat several classes. In 11th grade, Tito realized two things: education is important and his teachers care about him. He made adjustments in class to assist with focus. He started turning assignments in on time and became a positive member of the class of 2019.
Tito plans to attend HACC or PTC to study welding.
Stacey says of Tito, “Tito is a leader and not a follower. As a 12th grader he is an honor roll student”
Congratulations & Good Luck, Tito!
Tyah is from Susquehanna High School and was nominated by Richard Andries. Tyah struggled to find her place early in high school. She had a rough home life and was always in trouble for starting fights at school. After being bullied and struggling to find her way, Tyah decided to take on a new identity. Through her journey to her new identity, her mentor and “father”, Richard Andries helped guide her journey and gave her purpose and confidence. She now has goals and a plan for her future.
Tyah plans to attend HACC for two years then transfer to fashion school.
Richard says of Tyah, “Tyah makes us all thankful for our blessings. She now has a goal towards future education in the fashion industry.”
Congratulations & Good Luck, Tyah!
Samaria grew up in the Bronx, NY. She moved to rural Lykens, PA at the start of high school. After being kicked out of her home by her mother, her and her brother were left homeless. A local family was kind enough to take her and her brother in and eventually took guardianship of Samaria. This chain of events could have left Samaria a bitter, cynical young adult, but instead Samaria has chosen another path. Her Samaria worked to overcome her situation rather than let it define her.
Samaria plans to attend HACC to pursue a career in Social Work.
Janet says of Samaria, “If I were to sum up Samaria Duran in a word it would be compassionate. In spite of adverse life experiences she has developed an awareness of the positive influences in bot her own life and the lives of others.”
Congratulations & Good Luck, Samaria!
Griffin will be attending Schreyers Honors College at Penn State University to major in Business.
Brendan says of Griffin, “Griffin is hardworking, kind, respectful to all and just an overall great person.”
Congratulations & Good Luck, Griffin!
MJS ACHIEVEMENT FOUNDATION
The MJS Achievement Foundation’s mission is to provide economic assistance to high school students who are attempting to become productive, self-sufficient members of society.
