Each September, Adult Education and Family Literacy Week highlights the importance of programs that help adults build foundational skills, earn credentials and pursue higher education or career goals. The week also raises awareness of the barriers many adult learners face and the life-changing impact education can have on individuals, families and communities.

As part of this recognition, Idaho celebrates outstanding students and educators through the annual Adult Education Student and Teacher of the Year awards. Colleagues, supervisors and administrators from adult education programs across the state nominate individuals who exemplify persistence, growth and leadership. A review committee evaluates the nominations and selects the recipients.

This year’s Student of the Year is Alexandria “Ali” Horner, whose story of perseverance and achievement reflects the very spirit of adult education.

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When Alexandria “Ali” Horner walked into her first adult education class, she carried more than textbooks. She carried the weight of anxiety, the sting of past bullying and the echoes of teachers who once told her she would never amount to anything.

Now, after more than 387 hours of dedicated study in a single year, Horner has proven those voices wrong. The Idaho Adult Education program has named her the 2025 Student of the Year, honoring her resilience, determination and academic progress.

“What motivated me the most was my therapist at the time encouraging me to go back for my mental health,” said Horner. “I also wanted it for myself. I had crippling anxiety, but working toward my GED opened up doors for me. I don’t really have anxiety anymore. I’ve learned to open up more, express myself and make friends.”

Alexandria “Ali” Horner

“Ali has shown determination and persistence by showing up to Reading and Language classes as well as studying in the Community Learning Center nearly every weekday. She isn’t afraid to ask questions and seek answers, which has helped her to find the right resources to help her improve her math and language skills,” said Porter. “I was thrilled when she came to me and asked to try the more challenging class, showing me that she has gained confidence in herself and in her reading. She has been a great example to the students around her by showing them that you can succeed through hard work.”

When the workload felt overwhelming, Horner leaned on her mother, mother-in-law and boyfriend. Her mother, she said, was especially instrumental.

“My mom has always had a hard life, and she didn’t want that life for me. She encouraged me, bought my GED books and even paid for my rides,” said Horner. “If it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would have kept going.”

Her boyfriend also played a big role. “He woke up extremely early every day to take me to the bus or drop me off when I didn’t have a ride. He’s my better half,” said Horner.

Horner also found family in the Community Learning Center. Staff members like Shani Cummins, Vicki Flowers, and David Wheeler made a huge impact on her journey. “Most of the staff at the CLC became a second family to me,” she said.

Along the way, Horner also discovered tools that worked for her, like Khan Academy’s online lessons. She also relied on music to stay calm and focused during class. “International music and learning new languages helps a lot with intellectual and cognitive disabilities; it keeps me focused and helps me not have my ticks in class,” Horner explained. She also finds inspiration in artists like Skitz Kraven, a horrorcore musician who speaks openly about mental health struggles, including paranoid schizophrenia, OCD, and bipolar depression.