Rally for Annie: A New Chapter Ahead

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out to ask for your help in supporting someone incredibly special—my niece, Annie Callen. Annie has been accepted to Monroe College in New York, where she’ll be playing collegiate volleyball while pursuing her dreams in the STEM field. I’m hoping to rally friends and family to help her take this exciting next step fully prepared as a HS graduation gift.

While her academic expenses are covered with a combination of scholarship, student loans and gifts, we're raising funds to get her a reliable laptop for college and some spending money to ease her transition. Starting college is a big leap, and having the right tools and support makes all the difference.

Over the past two to three years, Annie has faced more challenges than many of us can imagine. Despite navigating a constantly shifting home environment, being unsure of where she will be going next, with her village's support - she did not lose sight of her goals. She showed strength, focus, and grace beyond her years.

Annie’s journey would not have been possible without the incredible support of her extended village—Miss Mary Edwards and her family (Sal, Amanda, and Katherine), Krissy Wilson, her San Antonio church community, and friends who opened their homes and hearts. Together, they gave her a sense of stability, encouragement, and belonging during a time when she needed it most.

I clearly remember Ms Mary a few years ago saying: “Let’s get our girl to graduation.” and back then, it seemed so far away. And now, she made it. She is graduating with a 3.0, which is amazing considering everything that was stacked up against her.

Annie is preparing for a bold new chapter, and against all odds, she secured an athletic scholarship that will cover room, board, and part of her tuition. This is a celebration of everything she has worked for and everything this community has stood behind.

If you feel moved to give, no amount is too small. Your gift will go directly toward setting Annie up for success as she embarks on this new adventure—one that she’s fought so hard for and absolutely deserves.

Let’s keep the love going and show Annie that her village is still right behind her. Please feel free to write words of guidance for her, should you feel inclined to share some.

With gratitude,

Lexi