Searia Calhoun is from Upper Dauphin High School and was nominated by Dana Lomma.
Searia lived with her grandparents, away from her mother and brother, since Middle School. Due to financial family struggles, Searia had to keep a part-time job. In April 2019, Searia’s older brother passed away. She was very attached to her brother and his death was the worst moment of her life. The usually cheerful, optimistic, young woman came to school pale and quiet for months. In her own words, “it sent me down a rabbit hole of sadness that I didn’t think I’d come out of.”
Searia overcame these challenges by seeking the support of family and friends. She also says that her teachers and the school guidance counselor really helped her. Through all of the obstacles Searia faced, she never faltered in her level of effort to succeed at school. She continued to work hard and challenge herself with high level courses, earning distinguished honors. She also participated in numerous school activities such as band, chorus and musicals.
Searia will be attending Bloomsburg University to major in psychology. She is pursuing this career because she wants to help people.
Mrs. Lomma says, "Searia Calhoun is one of those people who demonstrates compassion and concern for everyone even when faced with her own challenges. I am very confident that she will use her future profession to give back to the community."
Congratulations and good luck, Searia!