Written by Ella Fortine, Staff Writer
How has Alana Lewis persevered throughout high school? Read on to find out.
The end of the 2025-2026 school year is on the horizon, and Poly’s seniors are preparing for the rest of their lives. We now have the opportunity to celebrate the four-year journey they’ve taken, and the journeys they are about to embark on. This article is a celebration of one senior in particular: Alana Lewis.
Alana is a hard-working, determined, and intelligent person who has involved herself in activities such as Mock Trial and choir for their betterment. In her senior year, she has taken on academic rigor alongside extracurricular responsibility, having five AP classes on her schedule. Although she admits to suffering from an extended bout of senioritis, it has not stopped Alana from being accepted into University of California, Berkeley, where she will spend the first four years of her adult life. Admittance into such a high rated school as UC Berkeley is more than well-deserved for Alana, as she has put in the time and effort that warrants recognition on multiple fronts, including placement as opening defense attorney for Poly Mock Trial. Those around Alana see clearly her brightness and aptitude, and the work she is willing to do.
Being part of Poly Mock Trial and choir are experiences Alana values deeply. These extracurricular activities have grown deep relationships and made memories that will last a lifetime. Moments on bus or car rides to and from Mock Trial scrimmages or choir festivals with friends are Alana’s favorites. She describes how “[her] favorite memories are always just when you’re with people and you’re laughing”, reminiscing on the joy and laughter created in these clubs. But more than fond memories, partaking in extracurricular classes has shaped Alana in part into who she is today. She attributes much of her personal growth to the clubs, noting that her freshman self would “be very surprised with how much more outgoing I am.” Clubs like Mock Trial are intense learning experiences that can bring out the best in a person, and they certainly have for Alana, who discovered how Mock Trial “forced [her] into positions where [she] had to be loud, and [she] had to try new things.” She has found success in her time here in Poly clubs, and is sure to carry that success much further into her life.
As she moves into adulthood, Alana hopes to procrastinate less and be more direct, taking charge of her future. Work ethic is something Alana sees as a process of cultivation, one that is still ongoing. Looking back at her first years in high school, Alana recognizes how at times, her effort did not measure up to what she knew she was capable of. She outlines putting her best effort out as a goal to work towards and something to grow in. College, for Alana, is much higher stakes than high school, as she hopes to continue past undergraduate studies to law school or post graduate studies. Turning eighteen and leaving high school is a turning point for her, an opportunity to redefine her independence and level of responsibility.
As Alana goes on to Berkeley, she will carry with her everything learned throughout her time here at Poly. High school is, by its purpose, preparation for the adult world, and Alana is determined to utilize the lessons she has learned to the best of her ability. Valuable insights, such as realizing that “there’s no point in not trying” and that a mentality of self-deprecation “doesn’t do you any good”, are lessons that Alana will carry with her and hopes to share with others. When looking at the future, Alana expresses: “I want to see myself grow into a person that I can admire. That’s what I’m most excited for.” That is, it’s what she’s most excited for besides the many coffee shops on Berkeley’s campus.
Alana is an extremely wise person. She emphasizes the importance of having grace for oneself, and choosing to believe you are capable of more than you know. She values kindness, confidence, effort, and assertiveness, and exemplifies all of those traits and more. I have gotten to know Alana through Mock Trial, and over this year have witnessed just how amazing she really is. I am proud of having her as my team member, and I am so excited to see her go on to do great things at Berkeley, and beyond.