Alana Ethridge – San Diego, CA

Afro Puffs and Ponytails present Alana Ethridge as this weeks’ High Achiever!

At 12 years old, young Alana is a student, actress and philanthropist; and one of the most giving people you may ever meet.  Born May 18, 1997, you probably know her best as one of the original class members from the hit Fox TV Show “Are You Smarter than A 5th Grader?” What makes her amazing is that she has taken her celebrity and created a foundation, Alana’s Achievers, to help young kids between the ages of 4 and 16 develop positive goals in life and more importantly, help them work towards achieving their dreams.  Achievers will focus on the importance of a good education and healthy lifestyle by promoting the benefits of a solid education, healthy eating habits and an active life that includes fitness.

After appearing on television, invitations to charity events both in Los Angeles and San Diego poured in.  This afforded Alana the opportunity to help support worthy causes and make a positive contribution to her own community.  She always felt more connected to those events in San Diego as it felt more like helping her neighbors and friends.  Alana was able to personally meet the children and families affected by the disease and/or interact with the people the funds were being raised.  With all that she did, Alana and her mother felt they could provide more in their own community of San Diego and it would be even more personal and meaningful.  That is how Alana’s Achievers, under the 501 (c) (3) umbrella of Athletes for Education (AFE), began.  

While it’s still a young program, Achievers proudly boasts implementing AFE’s Reading for Life program – a successful Reading Program – at Montgomery Elementary in Chula Vista as well as the Florence Griffith-Joyner Magnet School in San Diego with plans to expand to another three (3) San Diego schools in 2009. As an extra incentive to the 3rd grade classes she works with, Alana rewarded them each with the book of poems, “Dirt on My Shirt,” generously donated by her fellow actor, host of her show, Jeff Foxworthy. Alana visits the schools monthly to personally show her support and encouragement to the students.  Her school and teachers are very supportive of Alana’s community involvement.  One of the favorite aspects of her visits is how excited the kids are to see her – “it makes sense that kids are so excited to see the Chargers, but it’s huge that I get the same reception.  It feels really good.  I believe acquiring self-esteem and self-confidence, comes from having a support system which will help you be successful in life! When a person feels good about himself or herself, they will believe they can reach beyond the stars and can do anything they put their mind to.”

“I have been very fortunate to be able to pursue my dream to be an actress, my career has provided me the opportunity to have been cast a hit TV show, and meet many famous people, gone to really cool events, and giving back to my community. None of this would have ever been possible without the support and love from my family and friends. If I can make another child’s journey to their own personal stardom a little easier, or help only one child by mentoring them, or help with my program, then I will have accomplished an amazing goal. I have learned that it can be something as simple as a smile – to change a person’s life forever! “You Can Do Anything That You Can Dream!”   ~ Alana Ethridge

Congratulations Alana! We are so proud to have you as our High Achiever!

For more pictures, videos, and information about Alana Ethridge, please visit her website.  Click here

African American Girls - High Achievers Alana Ethridge, Alana's Achievers, Are You Smarter than a 5th grader, Athletes for Education