Students

Mason Thrasher of Pisgah High School in Pisgah, Alabama, is involved in basketball, his school's fishing team and the Beta Club. He would like to attend a four-year college or university and is excited about finding the right major.

"To me, GEAR UP Achieve means planning for my future and preparing for the goals I want to achieve. GEAR UP Achieve has encouraged me to take the ACT more seriously and to improve my scores, helping me feel better prepared to pursue my college and career goals."

A'laylah Cherry of Sumter Central High School in York, Alabama, is interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology and the culinary arts. She is active in school athletics and participates in track and flag football. GEAR UP Achieve has taught her new financial skills and introduced her to colleges and career opportunities.

"GEAR UP Achieve means understanding and gaining life skills, knowing how to work hard and being professional."

Jeremiah Logwood of Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama, is interested in pursuing a career in welding. He is active in his school's band where he plays the bass drums and is a member of the Kappa League. 

"GEAR UP Achieve means a lot to me to have the opportunities to grow and be supported to be the best version of myself."

Les'Sean Zacharie of Wilcox Central High School in Candem, Alabama, is interested in joining the U.S. Armed Forces after graduation from high school. He is involved in school activities including FBLA Club, Jaguar Club, dual enrollment, National Honor Society, football and basketball. 

"GEAR UP Achieve has influenced my college, career and personal goals by showing me that there are multiple ways of succeeding like going to the military first then going to college or dual enrollment, which I’m currently pursuing. GEAR UP Achieve means having opportunities and support that help me prepare for my future and reach my goals."

Madison Purifoy of Tallassee High School in Tallassee, Alabama, is interested in pursuing a career as an ultrasound technician. In school, she is involved in basketball and track. 

"GEAR UP Achieve has helped me decide what I want to do after high school and how to achieve it. It means the opportunity to explore different colleges and experience available to me."

Jaselyn Lang of McIntosh High School in McIntosh, Alabama, is interested in pursuing a cosmetology license and a business degree so she may open her own salon in the future. She has been named Miss 10th Grade, is on the honor roll and is a hair braider in her free time.

"GEAR UP Achieve has exposed me to lots of different colleges and job opportunities."

Ethan Lowe of Highland Home School in Highland Home, Alabama, is interested in pursuing a career as a lineman in the future. He is a member of his school's baseball team.

"GEAR UP Achieve has influenced my college, career and personal goals by helping me realize that my future is so much more than just an idea. It has shown me that I can set goals, work toward them and create a great life for myself. GEAR UP Achieve has motivated me to think more seriously about my future and believe that college and a successful career are achievable for me."

Anna Pranger of Section High School in Section, Alabama, is interested in pursuing a career in medicine or nursing. She is involved in several student organizations at school, including FCCLA, Students for Christ and Health Science at Technical School. 

"GEAR UP Achieve is something I wish everyone could experience. It’s something you can lean on for support while also helping guide you, open doors for you and show you where you’re capable of going."

Jamerus Thompkins of Choctaw County High School in Butler, Alabama, is interested in pursuing a career in nursing. She serves as her school's class president, participates in JAG and recently attended the GEAR UP Achieve Region 4 Summer Camp. 

"GEAR UP Achieve is a program that helps students learn about college and fund college scholarships. Because of GEAR UP Achieve, I have been on college visits to see different schools and have decided I want to attend a school here in Alabama."

Jadah Patterson of Robert C. Hatch High School in Uniontown, Alabama, is interested in attending Troy University or the University of West Alabama and majoring in early childhood education. She active on her school's cheerleading squad, cheering for all girls and boys sports at Robert C. Hatch. 

"GEAR UP Achieve has influenced me by showing me new things and educating me on different colleges and careers."

Olalekan Fagbodun of Booker T. Washington High School in Tuskegee, Alabama, is interested in pursuing a career in agricultural engineering or entrepreneurship. Through dual enrollemt, Olalekan is earning college credit at Trenholm State Community College. He is involved in several student organizations at school, including the BTW Marching Aristocrats where he plays alto saxophone, 4-H Ambassadors and Junior MANNAR. Olalekan holds an orange belt in taekwondo.

"GEAR UP Achieve is an experience that allows me to epxlore schools and opportunities for the future."

Ainslee Leeper of Clarke County High School in Grove Hill, Alabama, is interested in attending a four year college or university and then pursuing a career in the arts. She is involved in DECA, driver's ed, customer service and sales career technical education and JAG. 

"GEAR UP Achieve teaches me things to help me make decisions about my future and it gets me out of Grove Hill. Ms. Shayla has helped me be more confident and better prepared for my future."

Jessean Patterson of Pike County High School in Brundidge, Alabama, is interested in pursuing a career in the legal field, particularly becoming an attorney. He serves as the student government president and vice president of the Kappa League. Jessean is also active on his school's football and track and field teams. 

"My most impactful GEAR UP experience has been attending the residential camp at Auburn University. It allowed me to experience college life firsthand, meet new people, build lasting friendships and learn what it is like to live in a college environment. The relationships and memories I made through these experiences continue to be meaningful, and I still stay in contact with many of the people I met."