Shaley Sweeney was one of Atlantic’s first students to be awarded the Pro Start National Certificate. Her passion for cooking began at her grandma’s side, where she learned to make cinnamon rolls from scratch and can tomatoes.

Sweeney’s grandma is one of the most influential people in her life. Besides teaching her to cook, her Grandma Nedra taught her how to sew.

Sweeney’s mother is also a role model for her. Sweeney described her mother as “probably the most caring person I’ve ever known. She helps people out even when she can’t afford to. She has a big heart.”

Sweeney would like to be remembered for those same character traits: kind and caring.

Mrs. Hopper was a teacher who impacted Sweeney, helping her through the Pro Start program. For some time, Sweeney has considered a food-services career, although she is also interested in psychology.

Sweeney graduated a semester early, an accomplishment that rates as her “most proud” moment.