Katherine Barba

Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Award Winners

Katherine Barba - Winner, New Rochelle, NY

Katherine admits she was very shy and introverted as a youngster. She did not participate in class and did not find it easy to make friends. Working with her Learning Ally mentor, Katherine overcame her shyness and was encouraged to take pride in herself. Her self-esteem rose. She planned higher goals. "My mentor helped me overcome many personal barriers holding me back," said Katherine. "By senior year, my personal development had grown. I had more friends, and I could relate to peers and teachers easily. Today I am a Learning Ally mentor to give back to students like me."