Since September of 2023, Upward Bound adviser Kelly Gallery-Price has helped point first-generation college students at AAHS in the right direction. Through a program of academic and social preparation, Upward Bound aims to give students the skills and motivation to succeed in post-secondary education after high school.
After a year and a half, Gallery-Price decided to accept a position at Penn State University (PSU) as an Academic Adviser at the University Park campus, where she can continue to help students who are the first in their family to earn a four-year college degree. Her last day as the Upward Bound program adviser at AAHS was Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
“Deciding to leave was a very difficult and bittersweet decision to make,” Gallery-Price said. “I have several favorite memories of the time with my students from AAHS. Our trip to see the Pirates Game in the summer of 2024 was quite possibly a perfect day on so many different levels. On a personal level, there was nothing better than hearing about student success whether it was improving a grade, making the honor roll, earning a scholarship, gaining acceptance into a college or university or trying out for new activities. I love hearing about student success and celebrating that success within the collective community of Upward Bound Programs.”
Junior Reyna Ospina-Nunes joined Upward Bound in the fall of 2023 after she moved from Florida to Altoona. Gallery-Price was one of the first people she met who made her feel welcome in the school.
“I am super sad about her leaving; she was one of my favorite teachers,” Ospina-Nunes said. “I am going to miss her a lot. Ms. Kelly was a great teacher, and I think she really nailed connecting with all her students. Everyone I’ve talked to only has good things to say about her, so she will for sure be missed here.”

Gallery-Price interacted with a roster of 60 students. She met with each student at least two times a month and offered tutoring. In addition, Gallery-Price planned social, academic and cultural events. These experiences have shaped her life.
“Each student has their own story. I was honored to serve as their program adviser. I feel I learned from each student lessons in life and hope that each student felt safe and comfortable to be their authentic selves and [know] where to find information about lifelong education. Above all, students positively impacted my life by helping me keep life in perspective,” Gallery-Price said.
Through the program, Ospina-Nunes was able to meet students with whom she has common interests. She has grown close to them in the past two years. Two of these students are sophomore Isabella Caminiti and junior Aly Sipes.
Sipes joined the program in April of her sophomore year and was able to go on field trips and college visits with Gallery-Price.
“I miss her, as she was so supportive, but I’m glad she’s doing better for herself,” Sipes said.
For Caminiti, the Upward Bound program has had a profound impact on how she views the world.
“I am so upset since [Gallery-Price] was a great mentor and such a beautiful person to be around,” Caminiti said. “This program impacted my way of thinking. Everyone is so kind, [and] it has made me more confident in myself and made me who I am.”
Ospina-Nunes and Sipes enjoyed going to the Pittsburgh Byham Theater to see Broadway’s “Beauty and the Beast” the most, while Caminiti remembers the Greater Allegheny Residential trip fondly. For all three of them, the Upward Bound field trips and college visits planned by Gallery-Price have impacted their lives.

“We traveled to several college campus tours and admissions presentations. Our programs vary from small groups sessions, journaling activities [and] goal setting to virtual tutoring and programming,” Gallery-Price said. “The opportunity for seniors to experience a senior trip in Washington, D.C. is another trip I have had the pleasure of helping with along with the very robust Summer Residential Experiences that the Upward Bound Program offers.”
Junior Serenity Hogans joined the program as a freshman and has been involved in it ever since.
“[The program] teaches me more about college and helps with expenses,” Hogans said. “[My favorite memory] is Kelly’s Korner. [The program] is so fun and helpful.”
Brianna Weitzel, Rashonda Coffee and Drew Yingling are jointly managing the program until a new program adviser is hired. Looking into the future, Gallery-Price has set a goal for herself and her students.
“I always look to improve myself personally and professionally while staying focused on helping students meet their educational and personal goals,” Gallery-Price said. “It would be a dream come true if a past student from AAHS was my advisee at PSU Main Campus—that would be a wonderful full-circle professional moment.”
Donna Drake • Feb 1, 2025 at 8:28 pm
Way to go Kelly!!