In a surprise assembly for students, WWE wrestler Adrienne Reese – also known as a Ember Moon – motivated LC students through the tale of her own personal experiences. Reese is a Lakeview Class of 2006 alumnus.

“I really enjoyed hearing the story of someone who started off feeling like she wasn’t going to amount to much, but she was able to overcome it all and achieve her dreams,” junior Shannon Fiscus said. “It was really inspiring.”

Reese’s main goal was to convey to the students that sometimes things in life take hard work to achieve, but that it’s worth it in the long run. She spent 10 years working, with three WWE tryouts, before she reached the success she has today.

“I know how hard my high school life was, and how hard life was in general, and I just came here to motivate people to get what they want out of life,” Reese said. “If I affected one person and they are motivated to continue down their path for success, that means the world to me.”

One of Reese’s former teachers, Dayna Castle, said she was delighted that Reese came and spoke to the school. Castle taught Reese in her AVID class.

“AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, and I think she embodies all of that,” Castle said. “She worked hard; she was determined. She’s AVID.”

At the conclusion of the assembly, Reese gave Lakeview a WWE champion belt to symbolize the hard work that she went through to achieve success, and how LC students should do the same.

“I hope [the students] see themselves in her,” Principal Maresa Bailey said. “I hope those that have had bad experiences will have good experiences and maybe those who have caused a bad experience will learn not to do that.”