Alli Culbertson remembers Niceville High School’s NEST Program as one of the elements that smoothed her transition from middle to high school.
“I made new friends, who I’m still friends with today,” she said. “It was really nice to kind of get a feel of the school.”
Now, as a senior, Culbertson has spent her high school years helping provide that same relief to incoming students.
“My older sister was one of the NEST directors, so it’s kind of a full-circle moment,” Culbertson said.
Culbertson’s involvement throughout her time at the school reflects her commitment to the NEST program, while also balancing responsibilities of being a varsity cheerleader. As a NEST director, she helps facilitate activities and connect incoming freshmen with resources to make them feel comfortable on their first day of high school.
“I like leading cheers,” Culbertson said. “I also got to choreograph a cheer and dance routine that we made all the boys that helped out with NEST do, and they had to wear cheer uniforms; it was hilarious. That was a lot of fun. We taught them [incoming students] how to be spirited at pep rallies, which they were not very good at. They’re all kind of embarrassed, but we’ll work on it.”
After graduating high school, Culbertson plans to attend the University of Florida for medical school and study to become a radiologist.
Niceville Principal Amy Meyer recognized what sets Culbertson apart from other students.
“When you’re a proactive person that they know is going to take the lead on something and plan, that’s really good because a lot of people sit in the back and they’ll be willing to help with anything, but they don’t necessarily want to take the lead and plan,” Meyer said. “But I think … being somebody that’s approachable and relatable and wants to help is key.”
