Page 76 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2019

Eighteen-year-old Avery Loper is a native
of Pascagoula, but in 2008, she and her family had to relocate due to her father’s career. Starting over in a new place is hard, especially for a young person, and as a fifth
grader in a new school in a new state, Loper realized she was strong enough to forge a new beginning.
AVERY
LOPER
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photo courtesy of Avery Loper
Just five years later, the family moved back to Pascagoula to
be with Loper’s grandmothers, both of whom were in declining health. “I felt as though I had finally rebuilt my life, and the news that we would be moving yet again was hard to take,” said Loper. “I thought my life was shattered, and I was so angry
at my parents for putting me through it again.”
While Loper was technically moving back home, her life
and friends had moved on without her. However, she had experience in making a new life for herself and was dedicated to being the best she could be.
Starting from scratch wasn’t easy, but looking at her accomplishments in just two years, you would never guess
that Loper was a
recent transplant. Even
as one of the newer
students at Resurrection Catholic School (RCS)
in Pascagoula, she was
named vice-president of the senior class and has become actively involved in multiple school and community groups, including RCS Campus Ministry and the Bacot McCarty Foundation where she serves as senior student assistant.
Loper is also a gifted athlete who has competed on her school’s soccer and tennis teams. Additionally, she is a varsity cheerleader and talented dancer. As a member of Melange Dance Company of Jackson County she has danced in annual Nutcracker ballets and has performed at
Disney World and in the Macey’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
She plans to attend the University of Mississippi and pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. “I hope to specialize in pediatrics and work with newborns and children in
a hospital,” Loper said. “Eventually, I hope to continue my education and acquire a Master’s Degree in Nursing. While at the University of Mississippi, I aim to work
with 2nd Chance MS, a non- profit organization that raises funds and awareness for adult education programs.”
76 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2019
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