Takayla Johnson says that St. HOPE Public Schools  is an asset in the community. She was able to lean on the schools’ pillars of more time, choice, and commitment which gave her the tools to thrive in college. After she graduated from Sac High in 2018 she spent four years in Sacramento where she became a devoted advocate for youth. For the past four years Takayla has worked with scholars in expanded learning and currently she is working at Sacramento High as a front office assistant

“Sac High is a very special place,” says Takayla. “When I was a student there I learned how to build a community and how to be an effective leader. I was continually challenged and held accountable. Everything that I learned there is helping me flourish as an adult.”

At Sac High, Takalya was in Senate, the school’s student government, for four years and was the captain of the state team for three years. Despite the fact that she faced instability in her personal life, she was very active on campus. Takayla dealt with housing insecurity when she was a student at Sac High and is very appreciative of all of the resources the teachers and staff provided her and her family. Not only was the school a vital support system, she says the teachers were mentors for her and continually motivated her to persevere. 

Takayla says one of the best lessons she learned at Sac High was to keep going when things don’t go your way. Her teachers instilled in her that what is important is the time and effort that you put in. She learned that it’s about being consistent and committed and keeping your eye on the finish line.  

For Takayla, Sac High embodies hope and opportunity and she always felt supported in her education journey. Today, she works with students who are in the same predicament as she was as a high school student and she is grateful that Sac High taught her how to be a genuine leader who cares about others and is committed to their success.