Page 100 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2020

story by Debbie Anglin A photo courtesy of Alondra Reyes
trip to Hawaii this past summer has forever changed the life of Pascagoula High School senior Alondra Reyes.
Selected as a participant of the Sacri ce for Freedom, World War II - Paci c Student & Teacher Program, Reyes researched a “Silent Hero” soldier who never returned home and is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Paci c in Honolulu, Hawaii. Reyes gave a eulogy for her Silent Hero during her visit and toured sites such as Pearl Harbor, Honouliuli Internment Camp and U.S.S. Maine.
“I never dreamed I would be able to travel to Hawaii as a teenager and step foot on the places that held so much history,” Reyes said. “Before doing the Silent Hero project, I had never really given much attention to our military history besides WWII. However, after six months of intensive research, I connected with a man who had been given purpose through the military and serving his country.”
After her trip, Reyes said she realized she wanted to do exactly what her silent hero had done.
“I want to serve my country and help others,” she said. “I had found my purpose. Being a part of the National History Day Silent Hero program gave me a new perspective on my American Dream and what I want to achieve in life.”
As president of the PHS speech and debate team, Reyes has no problem articulating her views on a number
of topics, winning multiple state awards including
state champion in expository speaking, most valuable performer and rst place in original oratory. She has also quali ed for national Speech and Debate competitions.
Reyes serves as president of the National Honor Society and Environthon Team and is a member of the student council, 30+ ACT Club and Key Club. She has volunteered with several community service projects including serving food at Our Daily Bread, packing food for the Backpack Buddies program for students, and painting a room at the Jackson County Exceptional School.
With plans to major in international relations, Reyes has applied to several military academies and Ivy League universities.
100 | April 2020
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
TERRIFIC
PRESENTED BY
ALONDRA REYES
TEEN