For her mother, Shelley Moore, there was no doubt that her daughter had what it took to succeed. Growing up, Felisha Moore was always goal-oriented and driven. Her talent and dedication continued to shine throughout her time at Freeman High School in Adams, eventually leading to a full scholarship to Stanford.

“It’s not something she learned from me,” Shelley Moore said. “She’s always had her own drive, drive and determination. She just works hard and always has.”

Felisha Moore recently received the Stanford Class of 2022 Achievement Award, which is given to only 10% of graduates who have been nominated by faculty for their commitment, leadership, and dedication to the university.

She isn’t sure what she wants to do with her degree in international relations, but plans to return for her master’s degree. One thing she knows for sure, though, is that she wants to travel, and she’s well on her way to doing just that.

After graduation, Felisha Moore will travel to the Dominican Republic to work as an intern at the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo over the summer. This will be his second year in this position after completing his first year remotely due to COVID-19.

This is just one of the many travel opportunities she has had so far.

Before her second year, Felisha Moore traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer as an elementary school teacher in a small rural community. Later, she studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

“Stanford University has always been my dream school, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to spend my undergraduate career,” Felisha Moore said in an email. “I have made the most genuine and lasting connections at this university, from friends to professors.”

Felisha Moore had several universities in mind when applying to college, but Stanford responded first with an opportunity she simply couldn’t pass up: a scholarship that covered room and board, tuition fees, the cost of a laptop and airfare for two. home trips per year.

“Everything she did, she worked really hard,” Shelley Moore said. “People always say she must be so bright, but she really is a super hard worker. Some things come easy to her and some things don’t, just like anyone else. But if it doesn’t , she will study and study until she gets it.

Her daughter’s graduation is a source of great pride, but Shelley Moore struggles to find the funds to cover travel expenses to California.

A GoFundMe was created on behalf of the family to help her and her youngest daughter, Gracie Moore, watch Felisha Moore walk across the stage on June 12.

“The thought of not going to see your degree is beyond heartbreaking,” Shelley Moore said.