A total of 18 graduates crossed into the next stage of their journey toward success at the Bay Area Leadership Foundation’s graduation ceremony on June 6th. Family, friends and Bay Area Leadership Foundation board members cheered them on their way. The inspirational event was held at The Oakland Museum of California.
The graduating high school class in 2009 consisted of 17 students with an average GPA of 2.77. 61% of them went to a 4-year college and 39% attended a 2-year college. Raising the academic achievement bar, the class of 2010 consisted of 18 students with an average GPA of 3.28. 94% of them will be attending a 4-year college and 6% will be attending a 2-year college.
Avauna Walker was the student speaker and recipient of the Regional ACCESS Student Leadership Award. She captivated the crowd with her story of the struggles to complete the ACCESS program and the benefits she reaped from her participation.
"I know that this program has made a made a major impact on my life as well as my peers’ lives," said Avauna. "Our journey has not been easy. We missed practices and parties and awakened early on all those Saturday mornings to attend Bay Area Leadership workshops. Looking back and looking forward, we all know it was worth it.
"Without this program, many of us would not be attending 4-year or 2-year institutions. Perhaps we would be like many young people from our communities who do not have aspirations for their futures," she said.
As a studious teen, Avauna endured the taunting of her classmates, who labeled her a "nerd." Her response? "No one was going to stop me from my dreams. Being a nerd has definitely worked for me because it has propelled me toward my dreams."
She acknowledged the special friendships she developed through the Bay Area Leadership Foundation and the support she received from her Academic Coordinator and mentor, Heather Priebe. She thanked them all for motivating her in many ways.
Avauna concluded by speaking for herself and her BALF peers. "We know you are depending on us to create a bright, accomplished future for ourselves, while never forgetting to reach back to lend a helping hand to others. We will not disappoint you."
