Liannet Bergantino says her mother’s work helping people has been an inspiration ever since she was a child.
“In Cuba my mom was a nurse, and growing up she would always tell me stories about how she was able to help so many people,” said Bergantino. “The thought of being able to make a difference in someone’s life is very inspiring to me, and I feel like that’s what serves as my motivation.”
Next fall the Intrepid College Prep Independence Academy High School graduating senior will follow that inspiration to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Bergantino plans to pursue a career in healthcare and continue down the path she started in high school of serving her community.
As a high school student, Bergantino took part in various community service efforts and extracurricular activities including donating books and building bikes for children.
“During my time participating in those activities, I felt like I was able to make a small difference in someone’s day and in my community,” said Bergantino. “Doing those things allowed me to want to do more volunteer work when I head to college and want to participate in more extracurriculars than I did in high school.”
While studying at Intrepid College Prep, Bergantino also served as the President of Student Government, Chief of the National Honor Society and a member of the Student Library Association Club.
Academic success at Intrepid and service to her community played a major role in helping the soon-to-be college freshman become one of 6 Choice Champions Scholarship winners this year.
Education advocacy organization Tennesseans for Student Success created the scholarship to celebrate students who are attending a school of choice such as a magnet school or public charter school and are seeking education opportunities.
Students like Bergantino, who says the unique and diverse experience at Intrepid also played a valuable role helping her follow her mother’s path of giving back.
“Ever since I stepped foot in Intrepid, they had always been very motivating when it came to pursuing college and a career. They not only allowed me to explore my interests but gave me the opportunity to apply to college for free and have access to scholarship applications,” said Bergantino. “I believe that their passion for giving back to their students helped me be aware of what I wanted to do, and where I wanted to go.”
The Tennessee Firefly is a project of and supported by Tennesseans for Student Success.
