Honor Society® member
Alaina Bonanni
- animal science pre-vet
- Class of 2026
- Salvo, NC
Member since December 2025
About
I grew up on Hatteras Island in a small, close community where I learned responsibility, patience, and independence at a young age. I am a dual‑enrollment student graduating with both my high school diploma and an associate in science degree. Much of who I am comes from growing up alongside my brother, who has special needs, and from volunteering with Special Olympics. Those experiences shaped my compassion, leadership, and interest in animal science. I am now preparing to study Animal Science on the pre‑veterinary track with the long‑term goal of becoming an equine veterinarian.
Education
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North Carolina State University - Raleigh, NC
Non-Degree Student
2025
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College of The Albemarle - Elizabeth City, NC
Associate of Science (Dual Enrollment)
2024 – 2026
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Cape Hatteras Secondary School - Buxton NC
High School Diploma
2021 – 2026
Honors and awards
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Cape Hatteras Secondary School Principal’s List (grades 9-12)
Recognized each year for maintaining high academic excellence throughout high school.
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College of The Albemarle President’s List (Grades 11–12)
Awarded for earning top academic standing while completing college coursework during high school.
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CollegeBoard National Rural & Small‑Town Recognition Award (Grade 12)
Honors outstanding academic achievement and leadership as a high‑performing student in a geographically isolated community.
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National Honor Society of High School Scholars
Recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service at the national level.
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Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Inducted for maintaining a 3.5+ GPA in college courses; honors academic achievement in two‑year colleges.
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Special Olympics North Carolina “Family of the Year” (Grade 11)
Awarded to your family for exceptional involvement, advocacy, and volunteerism across multiple Special Olympics programs.
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Academic Excellence Awards in World History, Spanish I, and Math II (2022–2023)
Selected by teachers for outstanding performance, participation, and mastery of course content.
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Foundations of Health Science Award (Grade 9) and Health Science 2 (Grade 11)
Recognized for high achievement and strong foundational/health science knowledge in health science.
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Art Superintendent’s Choice Award (Grade 9 & 2023)
Artwork selected by the district superintendent for creativity, technique, and presentation.
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Back‑to‑School Convocation Speaker (Grade 9)
Chosen by the superintendent to speak at the district‑wide staff convocation, representing student leadership and voice.
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Voice of Democracy Certificate of Merit (Grade 10
Recognized for strong writing and public speaking in the national Voice of Democracy competition.
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Science Olympiad Regional Placements
Top 5 in Flight (2024) and 6th in Anatomy & Physiology (2023), demonstrating excellence in STEM competition.
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Math Competition Team – 3rd Place Overall (2025)
Earned top placement for cumulative performance on the Level 4 math test.
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NC State VetCAMP Acceptance (2025)
Selected as 1 of 80 students out of 570 applicants for an intensive, hands‑on veterinary training program.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
I plan to become an equine veterinarian and eventually open my own farm and rehabilitation program where I can care for horses, support riders, and make equine services more accessible in my community.
- Graduate school interests
I am interested in attending veterinary school after completing my undergraduate degree. My main focus is equine medicine, especially rehabilitation and sports medicine. I want to continue learning about horse health, treatment methods, and research that can improve care for both performance horses and therapy programs.
- Outside the classroom
I enjoy working with horses, volunteering with Special Olympics, and spending time outside on the island. I like swimming, helping my brother with his projects, and exploring anything related to animal science. I also enjoy organizing things, learning new skills, and spending time with friends and family. When I have free time, I like relaxing at the beach, listening to music, watching movies, and going on small adventures around the island. I love riding my horse, spending time with my dogs, and even watching my fish swim around because it helps me unwind. I also enjoy trying new recipes and finding little ways to help out in my community. I like staying active, being around people and animals I care about, and finding hobbies that let me learn or relax.
Experience
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Cashier & Cleaner — Real Swirly, Buxton, NC
Provide customer service, operate the register, stock toppings, prep machines, clean the shop, and handle closing responsibilities.
Apr 2025 – Jan 2026
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Sales Associate — Foto Fx, Manteo, NC
Photographed and sold aquarium guest photos (~2,000/day), handled cash transactions, and supported customer service operations.
Jun 2024 – Nov 2024
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Barista — Waves Coffee & Candies, Waves, NC
Prepared drinks and food, operated the register, restocked retail items, and provided customer service in a fast‑paced environment.
May 2024 – Aug 2024
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Retail Sales Crew — Kitty Hawk Kites, Rodanthe, NC
Managed inventory, operated the cash register, set up displays, and supported customers with product selection and questions.
Jun 2022 – Aug 2024
Volunteering
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Bocce Court Project Leader (Leading a grant‑funded project to design and build an accessible bocce court for special education students.) 10 hours so far
NHS and Cape Hatteras Secondary School
Aug 2025 – Jan 2026
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Red Cross Blood Drive Organizer (Planned and executed a school‑wide blood drive that saved 81 lives.) 16 hours
American Red Cross
Feb 2025 – Aug 2025
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Special Olympics Coach/Volunteer – Swimming & Horseback Riding (Coach 19 swimmers and 20 riders with disabilities; support training, competitions, and horse handling.) 50+ hours
Special Olympics North Carolina
Jan 2023 – Jan 2026
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Hatteras Island Youth Foundation Volunteer (Supported Turkey Trot pancake prep and served as course monitor for the Shore Break 5K.) 10 hours
Hatteras Island Youth Foundation
Nov 2022 – Nov 2023
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Church Volunteer & Assistant (Read at weekly mass, assisted with sacramental prep classes, volunteered at VBS, and supported Day of the Docks fundraiser.) 65+ hours
Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Church, Buxton, NC
Sep 2022 – Jan 2026
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Classroom & Event Support Volunteer (Assisted with STEM Night, first aid instruction, classroom prep, and student support activities.) 44 hours
Cape Hatteras Elementary & Secondary Schools
Sep 2022 – Jun 2023
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Pony Camp Volunteer (Taught grooming, feeding, and basic horse care to children ages 6–14.) 14 hours
Heather Kimnach LLC, Hertford, NC
Jun 2022 – Aug 2022
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
- Spanish Intermediate
Additional information
Organizations
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national honor society (opens in a new tab)
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Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) (opens in a new tab)
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National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) (opens in a new tab)
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Special Olympics North Carolina (opens in a new tab)
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HOSA – Future Health Professionals (opens in a new tab)
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College Board National Recognition Program (opens in a new tab)
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Dare County Board of Education (Student Advisor) (opens in a new tab)
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US Equestrian (opens in a new tab)
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Honor Society (opens in a new tab)
