By Laurein Drumm
Bixby High School
Students bustled through narrow hallways, teachers fumbled pronunciation and a young girl kept her head up above a sea of unfamiliar faces.
Overcoming the self-consciousness of being the new kid is a feat that many are not able to achieve, and yet, Alanna LaDeaux has done that over 12 times. Throughout her life, in moves based on both school and family situations, LaDeaux has prevailed past taxing circumstances and built a community around her.
Along the way, she’s also tightened her grip on leadership.
Navigating the cafeteria mazes and freshman year coursework were far from the only things Alanna conquered last year. She also became a member of her school broadcasting class at Edmond Santa Fe High School. In her free time and passing periods, she experimented with her teacher’s podcast and audio equipment in order to learn more than what was offered in her introductory class.
“I did everything just to get the experience,” Alanna said.
As well as journalism, the most recent addition to Alanna’s life is her rambunctious 2-year-old brother. She said that being an older sibling has made her want to be kinder and more personable. Leaving behind the mindset of an only child, she overcame and took hold of the first leadership role she faced outside of the classroom.
The consistency of her listening and observation skills reflects her talents and interests as an artist.
“I picked up skills from my mom,” she said. “Tips and tricks here and there.”
In addition to being the first in her family to graduate college, Alanna’s mother, Naomi, introduced the arts to her through photorealistic drawings.
Similarly, when asked what her perfect day would entail, she describes a perfectly tranquil evening, watching television with her family, playing with her little brother, and having a spark of inspiration before indulging in her favorite creative outlet, poetry.
“It’s just one of those things, like, I want to write today,” Alanna said.
Although she loves writing poetry and making art, joining new clubs and being an older sibling has a greater impact on her life.
“Well, I’ve been to 12 schools,” Alanna said. “I loved being the new kid.”
Alanna has developed an adventurous spirit after years of diving into new experiences. This daring presence has made her the 2024 class community engagement fundraiser. This role prepares her for team cooperation and workplace fundraising by throwing her right into her own community, talking to local citizens and businesses to better her school.
“I’m in charge of all the entertainment,” she said. “Rallies, events, anything that has to do with my class.”
The commotion of new beginnings, whether it be overflowing cafeterias, academic endeavors, or the comprehension of toddler talk have all been embraced by this new kid.
