2012 Scholars (Left to Right - Alexis Moore, Kabria Pervoe, Preyanka Kanda)
Preyanka Kanda is an emancipated minor who has been taking charge of her own educational goals for awhile. Born from traditional Hindu parents, Preyanka found herself left alone, living with her older brother, when her parents were deported because of visa issues while she was in 8th grade. She didn’t let that struggle define her, instead it motivated her to achieve her career goals. Richmond High School became the safe-zone where she could excel and become the woman she wanted to be. Planning to major in business at UC Berkeley, Preyanka has been active throughout high school in Junior State of America, the 21st Century M.E.N.T.O.R. program, and the Public Defender’s office where she worked as a clerk. She has received honors at the Law Academy and Moot Court, and spends her spare time keeping busy with jazz dance and reading.
Alexis Moore spent time in the foster care system before she ended up living with her aunt and uncle. Being thrown abruptly into this world, taught her to take responsibility for herself, and to work hard so someone would notice notice her efforts. She excelled at Ygnacio Valley High School -- in soccer, and in all the clubs she joined, because she was driven to succeed. Now, her dreams are being realized and she is headed to college to major in religious studies so she can go on and help others in the world who aren’t as fortunate. Her dream job would be to work in other countries, inspiring, exploring and teaching. Besides attaining excellent grades, Alexis volunteered during high school to feed the homeless and babysit children at her church. She was active in the Drama Club, the Christian Club and the Leadership Group.
Kabria Pervoe has always fantasized about helping little children around the world. Now, as a graduate of DVC, she is heading to college to pursue her degree in psychology with a specialization in child or developmental psychology. Kabria has been independent since the age of 17, supporting herself and working 3 jobs to pay her way through junior college. During what little free time she had, she has been very active in Habitat for Humanity, feeding the homeless through the LIberation Worship Center and becoming involved with the Pan African Union at DVC. Watching a documentary about children soldiers in Africa who suffered during the war, made Kabria realize what she wanted to with her career. This summer, Kabria is planning to attend a Global Village Trip for two weeks to Guatemala to help build houses for communities in need, all as part of her commitment to Habitat for Humanity.