My name is Anne Berne and I am a former high school teacher of Ooli Strongheart. Ooli was my math and science student at Costanoa High School, a Continuation High School in Santa Cruz, California. When I think of Ooli, I think of their love and caring of others whether it's a human or an animal. They are joyful and motivated to be the best person and best support to those around them. As many of you know, Costanoa Continuation High School does not offer the A to G requirements that allow students to go to a UC or a state college. Students can go directly to a community college or a technical school. Ooli, as a foster youth, sent themself to Cabrillo Community College while working as a caregiver/counselor for disabled adults in a group home called Listen House. They joined the Santa Cruz roller derby community and has been very involved in their Native American culture. They have also become proficient in American Sign Language. It's not easy being on your own and working full time, being a good friend, employee and a roll model for youth in their community, but they also applied, got in and GRADUATED from UCSC. Ooli may be the only Costanoa student that I know who went to UCSC. They not only went to UCSC but supported themself through their UCSC career. At this point, Ooli has graduated but cannot receive their official diploma to move on toward graduate school in the field of counseling. Ooli took an extra quarter to graduate and ran out of state funding for their tuition. They owe over $5000 to the University of California because there is no family member who can help out and pay this fee. Can we come together as a community and show our support for Ooli Strongheart? Yes we can! Please donate!
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