Scholar Spotlight: Savannah

Savannah, a student at Westlake High School in southwest Atlanta, joined the Breakthrough Atlanta program in the summer after her 6th grade year, and the Breakthrough team continues to support her on the path to college.

“I feel like as a young Black woman, I have the power and I have the privilege to get an education and be in a program where I can learn…and so college is definitely the option for me.”

During her middle school years, Savannah attended Breakthrough’s Summer Program, which prepared her with the knowledge and skills to succeed in high school. Today she is a strong student in her school’s magnet program, taking Advanced Placement and Honors classes. 

Savannah is a leader in school and in her community: she is a varsity cheerleader, a peer health educator, and an active volunteer in her church. She is also a passionate advocate for teen mental health. Recently, VOXATL.org even published an essay written by Savannah about the impact of the pandemic on teens’ mental health.

“Savannah wants to help everyone and really gets excited when it’s time to give back to the community. The “Savannah wants to help everyone and really gets excited when it’s time to give back to the community. The pandemic has taken a toll on her, but she has managed to persevere and keep pushing through,” her mother shared.

When asked what she enjoys most about Breakthrough, Savannah said, “My favorite thing about Breakthrough is the family environment it provides, and the emotional stability there is within all the staff and the rest of my peers.”

Savannah aspires to become a journalist. Her top three college choices are Florida State University, Spelman College and the University of Missouri. We can’t wait to see where Savannah’s path to college takes her!