Alana Wallace has an irrepressible smile and energy. The Huntington High School Class of 2021 member just can’t contain her enthusiasm and passion for life. She is excited to begin classes at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania where she is interested in studying criminal justice and psychology.
Ms. Wallace captured this year’s $2,500 Donald A. Pius Scholarship Award. She was a thrower on the Blue Devil winter and spring track and field teams and has done substantial volunteer work at Tri-CYA.
“My closet friends are Gracia and Kathryn Renkewitz, Chad Rowe and Chelsea Rodriguez,” the teenager said. “The teachers I feel closest to are Ms. [Maria] Canino, Coach [Todd] Jamison, Mrs. Rhonda [Nixon], Coach [Eddie] Santos and, of course, Mr. [Robert] Gilmor.”
There’s always a lot of activity wherever Ms. Wallace happens to be. She has a magnetic personality that seems to draw people in. Her teachers and classmates believe that everyone at Lincoln University is going to love her.
“Coach Jamison would have to be someone who has really stood out to me at Huntington High School because although we didn’t see eye to eye or get along my first two years, he has really kept me on my feet and would always make sure I was doing the right thing,” Ms. Wallace said.
The new Huntington alum is currently working in the Town of Huntington’s Project Play summer program at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School. She enjoys interacting with the youngsters participating in the program and they like her, too. Ms. Wallace has a great sense of humor and she likes to laugh.
“My experience at Huntington has had its ups and downs, but that’s the point; it is where I have experienced my most important lessons so far, so I can’t complain,” Ms. Wallace said. “I am very appreciative of what Huntington High School has taught me.”