12th grade, Amador High School, Amador County USD
Zoe Blansett’s journey reflects extraordinary resilience in the face of devastating adversity. Once a thriving student and competitive soccer player, Zoe’s life was derailed by the isolation of the pandemic, which exposed her to dangerous influences and traumatic abuse. Despite years of instability and setbacks, she found healing at Falcon Ridge Academy, where intensive therapy helped her reclaim her sense of self. When she transitioned to Amador High, educators, administrators, and counselors surrounded Zoe with support and encouragement, helping her rebuild confidence and stability. In June, Zoe graduated and now plans to pursue a career in psychology in hopes of supporting others through their own challenges.
“I want to help people the way my counselor helped me. I’ve been through it, so I understand how people feel.”
Zoe Blansett’s journey reflects extraordinary resilience in the face of devastating adversity.