George Sheehan said, “Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.” Believing in herself and her abilities, Alannah Kimia Gore demonstrates her courage, determination and will to be great in everything she attempts to do.
Alannah was born in Durham, North Carolina. Accompanied by her twin sister, Akia Sheree Gore, Alannah embarked upon a life of love, friendship, fun, and family support. All this came to a screeching halt in 1999 when her parents separated and later divorced. Life would never be the same. Although divorce seemed like the solution, it was only a way to end one form of pain and accept another. Through the court dates, custody battle, financial and emotional strain on her family, Alannah continued to make excellent grades in school and persevere through the heartache. At this time, she and her sister attended different schools, adding the stress of separation in more than one way. Having many friends, outside emotional support from family, and the determination to keep it together, Alannah used her pain to become a beautiful young woman with the will to touch lives.
Wishing to enter the world of medicine as a medical research scientist, Alannah attends the City of Medicine Academy within Southern Durham High School. Receiving Academic Excellence Awards in courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, Foundations of Medicine, Medical Clinical Practicum, and Medical Ethics has confirmed her desire to attend medical school and pursue her dream.
Alannah is Valedictorian of the senior class of 2006. With such an honor comes great responsibility. She has served as an officer in Student Government since the 9th grade. Other extracurricular activities include: Duke Area Health Education Center, Health Occupation Students of American, Gospel Youth Explosion Choir, Students Against Violence Everywhere and Future Business Leaders of America.
But throughout this busy schedule, she receives her greatest joy in serving the community. Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham and being local Chairman of Fundraising for St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital inspire her the most. Both organization benefit people afflicted with diseases that she hopes to cure one day. She believes that community service is not a privilege, but a necessity for making the world a better place and helping others. Her motto is, “Laugh, love and live life and then look to help others to laugh, love, and live like you do.”
Alannah is a wonderful person with a big heart and ambition. Although life so far has been an emotional roller coaster with divorce and the perks and pains of high school, it has only made her a stronger and more determined person. Confucius said “Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart,” and that is exactly what Alannah Kimia Gore is going to do.
