MonticelloLive

Monticello High School graduation was Friday night. Many proud students, administration, family and friends were in town for the celebration. Of the 142 students that graduated, one that stands out is Anna Newberry. Here is her story.

Anna moved to Southeast Arkansas when she was four years old. Her dad transferred to this area to work for Potlach. Her mother is an art teacher but stayed at home until Anna and her sister, Rachel, were in Middle School. Anna attended school in Monticello her entire school career. She feels that being in Monticello schools for all 13 years makes graduation even more special. But this is not the only reason the people of Monticello are special to her.

When Anna was 13 years old, the summer before her 8th grade year, she was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) leukemia. Her family had noticed that she was tired, anemic and pale. After some blood work and a trip to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Anna realized that she would not be able to live life as normal for a while. Anna had danced at Kim’s Dance Factory since a young child and found dancing was her passion. She also had made the Middle School Cheerleading squad months before her diagnosis. Her fear was that she would not be able to continue doing her favorite things because of her diagnosis and the two year long treatment regimen.

This was not the case though because of the love and support of those close to her. Anna continued dancing and never missed a recital. She also was able to cheer at some of the football games. Her friends and teachers were so supportive. Debbie Morrison was her tutor during her eighth grade year. With her help Anna was able to stay on top of her school work. Anna is still very grateful for the support she received from the whole community either by their prayers, notes or flowers.

Today Anna is not only a MHS honor graduate but she is also cancer free. She continued dancing and cheering most of her school career. She was also able to be a part of the new EAST lab program that started her tenth grade year. This program is a community based project learning lab. It was her favorite class all through high school. The class allowed Anna to learn different computer skills like video editing, graphic design, architecture, computer-aided drafting. This class was not only spent behind the computer but it also involved getting out into the community. Some of the projects Anna was able to be a part of were getting broad ban into the rural areas of Southeast Arkansas, design the Monticello Billies football program and the city’s future Animal Shelter project.

Anna will attend the University of Arkansas in the fall. Although she was awarded the Dean’s scholarship at UCA and a $40,000 scholarship for the Savannah School of Art and Design in Georgia, she feels UA is the best choice for her mainly because she knows that she wants to pursue Architecture and Design. UA will allow her to be closer to home and friends. She also feels that what she has learned in EAST Lab will only prepare her for the UA incredible programs that are in her field.

What Anna has learned at school and in life even through cancer has only strengthened her. Her stamina and determination to succeed are tremendous. The people of Monticello will be anxious to see what achievements are to come for this one Monticello life- Anna Newberry.