Alanna Woitalla

or resources. Here, teachers will say let’s take the time and figure it out. The joy of learning is definitely fostered here.” One of the greatest lessons that Alanna says she learned from her time here at OFMS is the ability to communicate; with teachers and peers. In her past she would feel overwhelmed with large assignments and felt the only option was to turn in work she was not pleased with or take a zero on the assignment. “I feel like during my time here I’ve gotten a lot of self reflection and developed skills I’ll need for college. I didn’t realize how bad I was at time management. I’ve learned how to communciate my needs better and how reaching out to a teacher is not something to be looked down upon,” she reflected.

The faculty has supported her in many ways: college preparation, life skills, confidence and exploring interests to their fullest. “I had a really hard time with college paperwork. It stressed me out and I would shut down. Rikki was helpful in encouraging me to get it done.” One of her favorite classes was math as well as the teacher, Doug. She shared that he challenged her to push herself while providing the confidence needed to accomplish goals. “I really appreciate how he let me explore and ask any and all of the questions I had,” she noted. Community is a big part of our school, within the high school and beyond.

Alanna began cheerleading in 2010 after a friend suggested she might enjoy the sport. After 13 years of intense practices, long drives and lifelong frIendships she is ready to see where her next chapter in life leads her.

Alanna loves the atmosphere of life long learning that she experienced at OFMHS. “We can have discussions about whatever we’re learning about or interested in. Others, students and teachers, get to learn too. It’s a ‘let’s do it together’ kind of process.”

Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois is the next stop for her. While she is leaving the door wide open for future pursuits, she shared that while completing her Capstone project, her interest in library sciences has been more than piqued. A voracious reader, compassionate human and critical thinker, Alanna would be an incredible asset to any profession she chooses.

You’re going to change a lot throughout high school. Embrace it and just do it…you will change more than you realize.”

FEEDING & FOSTERING

It’s a family affair for Ellie Cook and her blended brood of biological and foster siblings. Over the last ten years, the Cook’s have had 38 children come through their home; some for a few days, others for months and at least one has been adopted as a permanent member of their very active family.

When preparing for her yearlong Capstone project, Ellie immediately thought of finding a way to incorporate this important component of her life, fostering, with her passion to help others. After researching books and online resources as to the greatest areas of need for foster families, she settled on providing meals. Having watched her mom struggle to get children to appointments and school while also trying to run a household and have quality time with each of the children, Ellie knew the importance of a hot meal. Hence, the formation of her project and development of a meal train for foster families in DeKalb County.