Meet Cierre, a life changed by Sun Valley Youth Center

Cierre Lucero started with us at Sun Valley Youth Center when she was six years old. She is now 18 and preparing for college.  Here is her story, written in her own words.

 

The time I spent at Sun Valley was the time of my life. I met people I'll never forget and got memories that
are priceless. I started at Sun Valley
when I was about six.

 

Once I started Sun Valley,
it became my second home. As soon as school was over I went there. We got to do
things that if not for Sun Valley we
would have never been able to do. I got to go up to the mountains and camp for
the first time. Kris and the other staff all knew that our homework was really
difficult. If we needed help, it was provided.

 

Sun Valleyhelped
us to focus on school and keep our grades up. When coming from our
neighborhood, school isn't exactly a priority, so if we were failing a class or
had any behavior problems, the teachers would let Kris know. She and the other
staff expected more from us. They wanted us to succeed, and didn't let us ever
think we couldn't do something because of where we came from.

 

I'm actually graduating High School this year, and
hopefully attending either Western
State or Adams State
College next year. I'm tutoring students, and even cheerleading. When I
was younger and everyone stressed that where I came from didn't
matter, I didn't understand. I understand now. And, I am so grateful that I am
able to go back and visit Sun Valley and
see all of the new attendees. Sun Valley
is helping them the same way it did me.