Nearly 6,500 students in the high school graduating class of 2029 in 28 counties across Alabama are enrolled in GEAR UP Achieve.
Each month, GEAR UP Achieve School Liaisons select one student from each of the seven regions as Student of the Month. These students are selected based on their overall engagement with the program, leadership qualities and participation in GEAR UP Achieve activities.
August 2026
Region 3
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."
Region 4
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."
Region 8
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."
Region 9
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."
Region 10
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."
Region 11
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."
