Dayleen

In addition to being devoted to Pender County Teen Court, Dayleen is a longtime CIS participant, starting from her days at Penderlea School. Last summer she came back to serve the younger generation as a junior counselor at Burgaw Middle School Camp!

After high school, Dayleen plans to attend the University of Southern California, where she will major in Human Biology with double minors in Finance and French. She ultimately plans to pursue an MBA and attend medical school, with her long-term goal of becoming a Plastic Surgeon and owning her own practice. Dayleen envisions herself building a career in medicine while achieving success on her own terms, “doing everything in Christian Louboutin red bottoms.”

While her determination and drive is evident, graduation felt far away when she started high school.

“I was ready to graduate the first day of high school and now I am proud to say that as a daughter of immigrants, I hold an Associate's degree and will be attending a prestigious university. Something that has not been done in my family. I value all my academic accolades, but the one that I was most proud of was being the first Pender Early College Captain for the Pender High Women's Soccer team,” said Dayleen.

Dayleen credits her CIS staff for their encouragement and support throughout her journey.

“I will forever remember how supportive Ms. Carrington was always making sure I had everything I needed when I needed it, always supporting me and always being someone I could easily talk to,” added Dayleen. “All the CIS staff I have met are invested in their kids and in their growth. All the staff I have met have given me so much support and encouragement. It truly warms my heart.”

“Dayleen is a student who is well beyond her years in many ways. She speaks with such eloquence and has determination unlike any other. She is going to be one to make it very far and will do so all while dressed quite fashionably. She will certainly be missed in court,” said CIS Teen Court Coordinator Carrington Kennelly.

Congratulations, Dayleen! 🎓👠✨