Although Allyson’s pathway into the school system was not made easy, she knew that her blueprint for student academic and behavioral achievement could be a major life changer. Therefore, she remained persistent and many lives have been influenced because of her great efforts. Most of the neighborhoods surrounding the students she serves are filled with crime, gang activity and poverty. In fact, NCHS has been known for being labored unsafe and a violent school. Allyson has maintained a positive attitude; she experiences and witnesses a different side of NCHS, the caring side of the students she encounters. She works to provide her students with the necessary resources for them to succeed. Her focus has always been on changing the narrative and creating an atmosphere by which students can achieve at their greatest potential. Allyson meets her students where they are and evens the playing field and pulls out the best in them. She introduces them to opportunities they most likely would have never had without Raise Up. It goes without saying that she helps them Raise Up above their obstacles. In short, Allyson Thornton is a molder, a shaper and a nurturer of students.