Amanda Pannell
“Wonderful presence” and “ray of sunshine” are great ways to be described by your teacher. Amanda has Down syndrome and attends Seckman High School in Imperial where she has an admirer in her teacher of four years, Andrea Patterson.
“Amanda wants to get a job in retail when she graduates and she strives to be more independent every day. She is not a quitter or a complainer which makes her an exceptional 17-year-old girl,” Andrea said.
Amanda has a passion for dancing and Florida Georgia Line. This teenager has helped with many school outreach programs including collecting canned goods for the food pantry and items for veterans as well as visiting them at the VA hospital. She volunteers at the food pantry and animal shelter, collects money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and is active in raising money to fight childhood cancers through St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
“I am incredibly blessed to spend seven hours a day with (Amanda) as she is truly a superstar through her hard working nature, determination and positivity,” Andrea said.