Class of 2005
Meet the Students Rising Above Class of 2005
Sarah Bayless
Sarah has turned her turbulent life around and is ready to make a fresh start in college. She hopes to join the Peace Corps and later become a journalist.
Lily Dorman Colby
Lily Dorman Colby is a driven student who dreams of becoming a US Senator. Her determination to succeed is the result of an unstable childhood. You can read about how Lily went from Foster Care to Yale to "Glamour" Girl:
Tyisha Higgins
Tyisha Higgins and her family were dealt a hard blow after her father died. But just as things were getting on track her mother passed away. Now, raised by her brother, she needs help to get to college.
Pedro Jimenez
As one of six children struggling to grow up in a poor and troubled family, Pedro Jimenez wants to go to college. With your help he can afford to overcome his tough childhood to make it.
La'kirra Lillard
At seventeen, La'kirra is the breadwinner for her family while maintaining a 3.7 GPA as an honor student. She plans on becoming a physician and was accepted to Xavier College.
Lino Ochoa
Lino is successfully navigating the turbulence of his own life and dreams of becoming a commercial pilot. He has been accepted to University of North Dakota but needs financial help to attend.
Mauricio Reyes
Mauricio never gave up on his dream to go to college while growing up in an abusive household. Nor did he speak English when he emigrated from El Salvador two years ago. Mauricio is now an honor student and will attend UC Berkeley in the fall.
Anitra Smith
Anitra is an outstanding student at Oakland High and works two jobs after school to keep her family afloat. She recognizes that a brighter future is through education and dreams of becoming a doctor.
Dallas Teo
Dallas Teo is the youngest of nine children and will be the first person in his family to finish high school and attend college. When he’s not studying, he is helping fellow classmates. Dallas is determined to go to college and give back to his community.
Eddie Williams
Eddie is a talented athlete and National Honor Roll student who is determined to do his best in all aspects of his life. It’s a promise he made to his dying mother.
Sean Wong
Sean is a student leader and honor student but he would never mention it. He moved in with his grandmother after his father passed away and is looking forward to college.