If An Achievable Dream Middle and High School’s Senior Class Advisor, LaTonia Kelley, had to describe the Class of 2018 in one word, it would be resilient. “Our students … have overcome a lot.”

Senior Class Advisor, Ms. LaTonia Kelley

Kelley teaches Geometry and Trigonometry at An Achievable Dream Middle and High School, and serves as Senior Class Advisor. In this role, Kelley ensures seniors are supported to smoothly transition to college, accomplish fundraising goals, and complete community service and other senior projects. Kelley sees her role as developing future leaders. “I really want them to continue to develop their leadership skills this year,” she tells us.

The Class of 2018 takes their role as leaders in the school very seriously. Recently, the class led an effort to collect canned goods and toiletries for those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. They are also hoping to be the first senior class in many years to raise enough money to take a senior class trip. They have their sights set on King’s Dominion, Great Wolf Lodge, or Orlando!

Class of 2018 Senior Leaders in the Sculpture Garden Sponsored by Hudgins Contracting Corp.

Kelley tells us that the Class of 2018 is more than just a group of students – they are family. Many of the seniors started out in elementary school together at An Achievable Dream Academy, and the bonds forged over time are strong.  “They are always willing to help each other,” says Kelley. “If someone is struggling in my math class, or in history class, they always pull each other up. They want everybody to succeed… the students who are strong in certain subjects are always looking to help their classmates.  You definitely don’t get that everywhere.”

Kelley sees big things for the Class of 2018. When asked what she sees members of the Class of 2018 doing 10 years from now, Kelley says, “I see doctors. I see lawyers. I see entrepreneurs – in fact, one of our students is starting his own t-shirt business now.  I see engineers. I see a dancer. I see young adults paving their own paths in the world and dancing to the beat of their own drum.  When they reach an obstacle, they will be the people who use their resources to overcome it. They will be successful.”