Jeannel Poyaoan
2013 Companion Group High Hopes Scholar
San Francisco State University
Jeannel participated in the R.I.S.E. after school, college prep program and the IB program at Berkeley High. She volunteers with Oxfam, an international aid and development program, asking people to sign petitions for policy change that promotes global, environmental and food justice. She hopes to major in sociology so she can work in an organization committed to social justice. In addition to her High Hopes Scholarship, Jeannel is supported by the Students Rising Above program, which covers the entire Bay Area.
“I have witnessed her tremendous growth and development. This growth is particularly evident in maturity, character, and a deep commitment to give back to her community.” Wardell Myles, BHS RISE Counselor
“She is a leader in and out of the classroom, and I believe it is this personal quality that naturally showed up in her writing and that speaks mostly directly to who she is now and the potential I see in her.” Susan Jones, BHS IB program teacher
