Before success comes a challenge, at least that’s what one New Hanover County senior has learned. High School Scholar Alyssa Gagnon knows just how important it is to push yourself past your perceived limits to discover endless possibilities.
What You Need To Know
Alyssa Gagnon was selected as one of Spectrum News 1’s High School Scholars
Gagnon will receive $1,000 to put toward her studies at UNC Chapel Hill this fall
Democratic State Representative Deb Butler presented Gagnon with the scholarship
For Emsley A. Laney High School senior Alyssa Gagnon, dance is everything, but it hasn’t been easy.
“I naturally couldn’t really keep my balance when I was younger because of my feet being pronated and very flat,” said Gagnon. “But through physical therapy and dancing, I’ve been able to come very far.”
She’s been dancing competitively since she was in fourth grade, and now, she’s the captain of her high school dance team. She says dance has become something that not only helps her physically, but also emotionally.
“It gives me an emotional outlet to really just release from the daily stresses of life,” said Gagnon. “And it gives me a way to be active too and find a sense of community within Wilmington.”
She’s also become helpful within that community, tutoring elementary school students and volunteering with Paws4People where she trains dogs to work veterans who have PTSD. It’s something she started doing after her father received an assistance dog from Paws4People.
“My dad personally has a golden retriever from Paws4People,” said Gagnon. “So we were gifted Sylar, and I just feel like it’s my part to give back to the community and help train those dogs.”
On top of that, she’s in the National Honors Society, Beta Club, Environmental Club, STEM program and still manages to maintain a high GPA.
“I currently have a 4.675 and I’m my class salutatorian,” said Gagnon. “So I really just thank dance for being my outlet for stress and anything that I may encounter during the school day to really just help me get through.”
Gagnon says dance helped her push herself beyond her limits and find those new strengths. After college, she wants to help others do the same.
It’s those qualities that make Gagnon a Spectrum News 1 High School Scholar. As part of the program, Gagnon was presented with a $1,000 scholarship by Democratic State Representative Deb Butler. Butler says Gagnon’s hard work and commitment to her community make her an excellent recipient of the scholarship.
“So, we know that you are going to be a successful contributing member of society,” said Butler, “and accordingly, Spectrum is pleased to award the High School Scholar of the Week.”
Gagnon says she’s excited to put this scholarship toward her studies at UNC Chapel Hill this fall where she will be studying exercise science.