Pioneer Academy’s Student of the Month for September is Sadie Fullerton. When walking around the halls of Pioneer and seeing smiling and laughing students, you are probably near Sadie or more commonly known on campus as Sid.
Her infectious smile and positive attitude towards others is felt when she is at school. This wasn’t always the case. Sid, like many students, struggled being around other people. She decided to tackle that challenge by getting a job that required her to talk to people for hours. Sid stated getting a job was one of the best decisions to help overcome social anxiety. With her newfound social confidence, Sid is now the captain of the Pioneer Speech and Debate team.
As a student who loves to help others, Sid knows the importance of managing stress. To help her conquer daily stress, Sid takes to music. Her passion for music started in the fifth grade, her parents encouraged her to join orchestra where she learned how to play the cello, then continued to master the guitar, bass, ukulele and piano. Sid currently uses her bass and keyboards skills in the band Feel Funky Fresh.
Switching to Pioneer Academy in the middle of tenth grade was another pivotal change that Sid feels set her up for success and finding her desire for school. Sid says the smaller setting and classes has helped her get the assistance she needs and gives students more opportunity to connect with one another. Along her journey Sid stated that a few teachers were paramount in turning her attitude around. She said “Mrs. Strom was the first teacher to see me for who I am. Mrs. Steinkraus helped me find my love for science, and Mrs. Allen is the epitome of positivity and sunshine. Having a bad day? Go have a conversation with Mrs. Allen and I guarantee by the end you’ll be smiling. And Mrs. Shu’s (Shufelt) determination to help students is incredibly inspiring, I hope to be like her.”
Sid also says her family has played a major role in helping her succeed. They’ve taught her to work hard and persevere regardless of how hard things get. They helped her learn that no matter what issues confront her, she will always have the strength inside to do anything she puts her mind to. Sid’s friends have also contributed in helping her succeed by always being there by her side to pick her back up and cheer her on and encouraging her to be truly, unapologetically herself.
After graduation, Sid is planning to attend WNC then transfer to a university to major in Psychology and minor in Philosophy or ASL. She then wants to continue her education in law school to become a prosecutor. With her friends, family and everyone at Pioneer behind her, we are confident Sid will carve a path to success.
(By Cary Jordan, Pioneer Academy Counselor)