Testimonials

Savanna Troupe has made a significant impact on my life by changing the way I see my school career.  Over the past three years, Savanna has volunteered with the organization Arizona Quest for Kids. Savanna afforded time out of her schedule to speak with the Avid program. She spoke to us about her experiences and viewpoints and that we can succeed by sticking to our goals, of how she made it to college and through college to obtaining her 4 year degree. Her speeches have inspired many students to continue when they might have otherwise quit. Quitting is not an option for me, especially having known Savanna and hearing her story of how she made it through high school and ultimately college.

 

Seeing Savanna in my middle school, Greenway Middle school, gave me an opportunity to get to know Savanna and her "Can Do" attitude. Savanna had the opportunity to get to know many students and in doing so, she was able to create many relationships with students that are now attending high school. All these students have respect for Savanna and have learned so much from her about "sticking to your goals".

 

Savanna Troupe has had a dramatic effect upon many, many students and her integrity is seen by all who know her. I am only glad that I can call Savanna a friend.

 

Josh

Freshman, Shadow Mountain High School

AVID and Arizona Quest for Kids mentee

 

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Savanna generously visited eight AVID schools in Yuma this last Monday and Tuesday. This is one young lady you don't want to miss! She is gracious, down-to-earth, loves kids (in fact, plans to teach middle school math!), and does a very effective job of communicating to them through her own personal story. She had enough energy to visit six schools in seven hours on one day and sound just as enthusiastic at the last one as she did at the first one. You definitely want her to visit your AVID classrooms. (And she has my vote for Miss America too.)

Terry Lowe
AVID District Director,
Yuma Elementary District

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Savanna came to Shadow Mountain and gave a presentation on how she was able to attend and pay for college on a limited budget. The presentation was extremely beneficial and Savanna is someone that will make a wonderful teacher some day. Her speaking skills were second to none, and she was able to truly connect with the students. It is apparent that her drive and her abilities will lead her to great things in this world. Also, as a teaching professional, am honored to welcome her as a member to this noble profession in the near future .

 

Michael Steinkemper,

AVID elective teacher

Shadow Mountain High School

 

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I have had the pleasure of personally working with Savanna since February 2009 at Arizona Quest For Kids' main office though she has benefited the program for the past four years at one of our sites. Over the past four years, Savanna has volunteered at our Greenway Middle School site. Having been a student at Greenway, our students identified with her immediately. She exudes confidence and poise which has, most certainly, influenced our students in a positive manner. In addition to Greenway, within a very short period of time, Savanna has made great contributions to the central office. Her friendly, can-do attitude has engaged our staff, future mentors, and students. She has assisted both the Greenway Middle School site and the central office with site specific planning, field trips, mentor recruitment, volunteer recruitment, and networking; and is currently assisting in planning our donor recognition event to take place in May.

 

Savanna continues to be available to the central office, participating and helping in any way possible. She has been a great asset to the organization, and has benefited us tremendously.

Dana H. Carroll

Chief Operating Officer,

Arizona Quest for Kids

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When Ms. Troupe called me a couple of years ago, I was pleased to know that she had been referred to me by the Arizona Quest for Kids organization for volunteer work with our AQFK scholarshipped students. Savanna was excited about the possibility of working with students from her own neighborhood, who were striving to be the first in their families to receive a college education, just as she was doing. She enthusiastically participated in bi-weekly meetings with group of 26 students. As well, she assisted with the quarterly family and mentor meetings. Chaperoning field trips to a college campus and leadership training, was her forte.

 

Motivating students with her positive approach, she made the experience unforgettable for our students. She truly has a gift for working with young people, and gaining their trust.

Savanna has continued to work with our students over the past four years, participating in enrichment activities, such as the Arizona Quest for Kids Annual Middle School Conference. In addition, she has adopted our AVID students, which is a national college preparation program. Advancement Via

Individual Determination supports students with tutors and an academic coach through high school. Motivational speakers, like Savanna, encourage students to set goals to reach their career aspirations. As well, she has accompanied them on college trips, pointing out how to be successful throughout their college years.

 

Savanna has the leadership qualities and the drive for excellence that equip her to be a highly motivating community volunteer, the kind that Arizona needs.

 

Kathryn Payan, Counselor

Greenway Middle School

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Dear Ms. Troupe

On behalf of the Yuma Union High School District and the AVID program in the Yuma area, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to visit our community and our schools this week. Your presentation and stories were both informational and inspirational!

Your visits to not only four of our high schools, but also five of our partner district’s middle schools made it possible for you to reach more than 1,000 students in our area! Combining your experiences with vital college information made it possible for you to easily connect with your audience and deliver valuable information. Thank you for willingness to share your struggles, your successes, and your college dream with our students and motivating them to pursue an education beyond high school.

We look forward to working with you again in the near future and welcome you back to our community, once your schedule permits. Best wishes for continued success in all of your future endeavors!
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Lupe Z. Lomeli
Project Director and AVID District Director
Advanced Placement Incentive Program
Yuma Union High School District