Even as she looks forward, Deaborah Gebreyesus, 17, won’t forget where she came from.
“I’ve gone to Catholic school my whole life,” said Gebreyesus, a senior at Bishop Blanchet High School and a Fulcrum tuition assistance recipient. “I think the atmosphere is my favorite thing and just how tight-knit the community is.”
“Most importantly, it’s an education that’s rooted in the principles and values of the Catholic Church,” Grebreyesus added, “which is something that I find really inspiring. Not everyone gets to have that experience.”
Gebreyesus leads an active life at Blanchet. She’s a member of the Black Student Union and the Diversity Club, a cheerleader, and this year joined the Associated Student Body (ASB) leadership team where she helped coordinate and lead the freshmen orientation at the start of the school year.
Gebreyesus also joined the St. Vincent de Paul Club, where students volunteer at homeless shelters and feed homeless youth.
“We talk to them and get to know them—get to know their stories,” said Gebreyesus. “Talking to people who are our age is a lot easier. I mean, when you are a teen, there are a lot of shared experiences. I really loved getting to know their stories.”
“Deaborah is a wonderful example of Catholic education in action. In addition to outstanding academics, she has been formed in the Catholic faith, formed in service to others and formed in leadership among her peers,” said Susan Ocoma, Programs Director for Fulcrum Foundation. “She will take all that she has learned on to college and eventually out into the world. We are grateful to have been a part of her Catholic school journey and can’t wait to see what’s in store for her.”
Gebreyesus will attend Loyola Marymount University starting in the fall. She plans to major in business administration, but hopes she will also be able to pursue her passion in medicine.