I’m so excited to show off Allyson Rohde, Class of 2020 senior from Pekin Community High School!  My camera and especially my heart loves this sweet young lady and I hope it shows in her photos.  She has a heart of gold and happens to be one of the kindest humans I have ever met.. I’m fairly certain she had some very great examples that she is following!

Allyson would describe her personality as fun and outgoing, also compassionate and kind to others. After high school, Allyson plans on attending ICC and then Olivet Nazarene College to pursue a career as an educator working in Special Education. When she was a little girl, she thought she might be a dental hygienist.  The event she is most looking forward to her senior year is graduation! “It’s a celebration of all of my hard work and the beginning of a new chapter in my life.”  Allyson shared that her favorite teacher is Mrs. Vala. “She helped me when I was struggling in my classes and she’s compassionate and patient. Food class was my favorite class because, well, I love to eat!!”  Her favorite school event is the Best Buddies Spaghetti Diner. It includes two of her favorite things to.. eating and friends!  Outside of school, she participates in Refuge Senior High Youth Group at her church. She also volunteers with the Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Association and Sunshine Camp.  In school, she is involved with the Best Buddies program.   Her hobbies include napping, spending time with family and friends and also attending church.

Three things on her bucket list: 1. Graduate college 2. Own my own house 3. Happy marriage and start a family!

Allyson would describe her perfect day like this: “My perfect day would start with waking up at noon and walking down to the beach. Soaking up the sunshine and frolicking in the ocean with my friends. I then would enjoy lunch at a beach side restaurant and then move on to my favorite ice cream shop, The Yard. I then would feel the need for a nap because the sun really zaps my energy and I would be on carb overload. Once rested, I would enjoy a movie or go carts. I would end my day at The Hangout listening and dancing to music.”

My hero Is Tiffany, my counselor at the Antioch Group. She helped me work through some difficult times and be comfortable in my own skin. Its nice to have an outlet to express my feelings.

FOOD and FAMILY:

1. Favorite holiday traditions are playing the Minute to Win it Game and Bingo. I love our family Christmas party and putting up the Christmas tree before Thanksgiving
2. My favorite child hood memory is playing with my papa. He would throw us around in the pool and act like he was going to drown us. Marco Polo was a blast. He used to chase us pretending to be a monster.
3. Pickle Dip is my favorite family recipe
4. If I could eat only one meal for the rest of my life, it would be cheese or anything with it!
5. The best thing about my mom is how much she has sacrificed for me. There are times when I know that she is hurting and puts on a brave face so I wont worry. She sends my sis and I a “quote of the day” everyday during the school year. She thinks we always need to start the day out with a “positive”. She puts my needs above her own all the time. She works hard to provide us with the best. I love that we can share clothes and make up as well.
6. My mom still does my hair almost every day. In my defense, I can’t braid my own hair!
7. My favorite family trip was a trip to Disney World. I got to see and Okapi at Animal Kingdom. The Lion King Show is amazing. Everybody is upbeat and happy. I love the parades down Main St at Magic Kingdom and the fireworks are awesome. You would really have to be a Grinch to not love Disney!

RANDOM:

1. My favorite singers/bands include Luke Bryan, Hillsong United and Post Malone
2. A moment I was most proud of is when I was nominated and voted as President of the Best Buddies Program
3. One Tree Hill is my favorite tv show
4. Nickname: Gator
5. What’s your current favorite fashion trend? High rise and ripped jeans, scrunchies, and Birkenstocks
6. What’s your school style? Messy hair/don’t care, leggings, hoodies, Uggs, and Birks!
7. Why did you choose Shelby Photography to take your senior portraits? I saw your work on FB and Instagram and loved it. I wanted to be a part of something special for my senior year.