Name: Marcie Ebright

Occupation: Director, College & Career Academies of Akron

Employer: Akron Public Schools

Name of High School and location: Lake High School, Milbury, Ohio 43447

Name of College #1 and location: Kent State University, Kent, Ohio

Name of College #2 and location: The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio

Name of College #3 and location: Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio

Name of your favorite teacher and what made the person special to you (any grade level, including college): My high school speech teacher had a dangerous habit: she actually believed in teenagers. Through personalized letters and one-on-one pep talks, she helped me identify potential I didn't even know I had. She didn't just give me the confidence to succeed; she took the time to encourage me and tap into ambitions that made college a destination. 

What were some of your most enjoyable times in school (any grade level): I can confidently say that I thoroughly enjoyed all my education, but what stands out to me in particular was my first year of college at Kent State  University-- it was really my first time away from home, meeting a whole new world of people, exploring a variety of arts, culture and music that I previously had not as well as the ability to embrace the opportunities presented to me.

Looking back over the years, what advice would you give to your high school self or college self: If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: Pay attention to the people passing through your life, even the temporary ones. Don't underestimate the footprint someone can leave on your story just because they were only walking through it for a season. A single conversation can challenge your worldview, a chance encounter can reroute your entire future, and a brief friendship can be exactly what you need to make the ride worthwhile.

The reason(s) you are raising funds to support Project GRAD Akron ’s scholarships and programs: Once you earn an education, it belongs to you forever. But getting to that starting line? That’s the hard part. I distinctly remember the sleepless nights over how to pay for college. I’m raising funds for Project GRAD Akron because I refuse to let that same financial fear extinguish another student's potential. Everyone deserves the chance to invest in themselves, and a bank balance should never be the deciding factor in someone's future.

Favorite quote: "Public education is our greatest pathway to opportunity in America".- Michelle Obama. I like this quote because it summarizes my belief in public education - it isn't just a system, but an engine that is vital to supporting dreams as a bridge between where we start and where we are capable of going.