Class of 2008 - Students Rising Above

Krisandra Adams

Krisandra grew up in a family who was often homeless. With her parents separated, and her mother a recovering heroin addict, Krisandra never lived in a place for more than 4-5 months at a time. She found comfort in school spending hours studying and excelling in her studies.

Anthony Anekwe, Jr.

Anthony is a self-taught classical pianist, and will be the first African American valedictorian at his high school. He learned that it took more than intelligence to succeed and his hardships have motivated his determination.

Maya Barnes

Maya was named after Maya Angelou, whose persistence, determination, and intelligence have served as an inspiration to Maya. Maya and her brother were placed into foster care nine years ago when her parents could no longer take care of them.

Alsidneio Bell

Al’s father has been in jail for the past 20 years, and his mother died of breast cancer when he was seven years old. Al and his siblings moved from home to home over the next nine years.

Samantha Carter

Without parents in her day to day life, Samantha has learned to depend upon herself and since 8th grade she works to help cover her basic needs. Her focus, persistence and enthusiasm about her education has paid off. Samantha has been accepted to multiple colleges and is excited about choosing the right one for her and beginning school in the fall.

Sidikie Dolleh

Sidikie was born into the brutal world of Liberia. His parents were murdered when he was a baby and he was carried by a relative into neighboring Sierre Leone. He grew up during the nine-year civil war where tens of thousands were killed and 2 million people were displaced.

Tyre Ellison

Tyre lost a family member to neighborhood violence. “What I learned from my cousin’s death is that life is too short and tomorrow is never promised to anyone.” Tyre decided to focus on school and is an honor roll student ready to start his college career this fall.

Philip Gopaul

Philip believes the challenges he faced at 7 years old made him into a stronger person. He will be the first in his family to go to college where he wants study engineering.

Aaron Jones

Aaron’s mother always wanted to go to college but she couldn’t go. She was a single mother raising six children. Aaron is eager to attend college this fall and make his mother proud.

Yaqiao Li

Yaqiao immigrated to the US from China in 2003. Tragically, she lost her mother last year to cancer and found herself all alone as a high school student in San Francisco. Overcoming many challenges, she's stayed on track in school and hopes to pursue a medical degree at UC Berkeley this fall.

Alexandria Lujan

Alexandria was raised by a single mother who often used alcohol and drugs. When her mother became physically abusive, Alexandria took her younger siblings to a shelter for safety. “Going to college means I don’t have to stay where I am; I can take my experiences, good and bad, and strive to do my best.”

Julian Merino

Julian has overcome poverty and homelessness and with a 3.4 GPA at Wallenberg High School in San Francisco, he will be the first in his family to go to college.

Tammy Nguyen

Described by her teacher as “a young woman of exceptional grace, courage, and positivity”, Tammy comes from a family of Vietnamese immigrants and she will be the first in her family to attend college. Her father works to provide for the family, and Tammy is the primary caregiver for her mom who is mentally ill.

Sandy Phan

Sandy’s father passed away when she was seven years old and her mother struggled financially to raise Sandy and her four brothers. Their daily struggles and hardships inspired Sandy to do well in school for herself and for her family.

Shanita Talton

A high school teacher shares, “Shanita is the single most outstanding student at our school, but more importantly, she is one the most exceptional human beings I have encountered.”

Nina Torres

Nina was born to a single mom who suffered permanent brain damage resulting from an accident. With little money, Nina and her five siblings raised each other – “My family’s presence gave me strength, definition and purpose.”

Chloe Underdue

Since 12 years of age, Chloe has been on her own with little to no adult assistance. Chloe currently has a 3.5 GPA at San Francisco’s Mission High School and hopes to attend NYU or UCLA in the fall, majoring in political science.

Vanessa Villafuerte

Vanessa helps her single mother raise seven children. School has always been important to Vanessa who is ranked #1 in her high school class with a 4.1 GPA. “Every morning I wake up telling myself that I will be the one to make a change in my family’s life, but most importantly make a change in my future”.

Jonathan and Justin Zeigler

(photos - Jonathan above; Justin below)

It’s hard not to talk about Jonathan and Justin in the same sentence.

Plagued by chaos, upheaval and parental absence, these two brothers have been the only stabilizing force in each other’s life.

Excelling as seniors in high school, they will both be the first in their family to go to college.

Each with a 3.6 GPA, Jonathan’s top choices are Howard University, Morehouse College, and Tufts University; Justin’s top choices are Tufts University, UC Berkeley, and Morehouse College.