Allison Gainza

Allison has truly exemplified courage and resilience throughout her journey. Initially she presented as a quiet and responsible student who diligently completes her work and achieves good grades. After Fall Break, Allison began wearing a wig to school due to alopecia and unfortunately faced bullying and ignorant comments and behaviors from her peers. Rather than succumb to the teasing, Allison chose forgiveness and understanding. She took the opportunity to confront and address her peers to educate them about alopecia and to spread a message of acceptance. Allison was brave and instead of letting her situation keep her down, she took the chance to teach her peers a valuable lesson on empathy and kindness.