Allie Hope Hayes: Oakland Community College

Allie is a two-time Rockin’ Recipient. She starts her third year this fall at Oakland Community College, where she is working toward her Associate’s degree in Arts. This past year, Allie was chosen as an Outstanding Student at OCC and was recognized at a reception in April 2024. She is very proud of her 4.0 GPA!

Allie loves doing crafts, appreciating art, walking, reading, writing and spending time with family. She considers herself a voice for all people with Down syndrome, and bravely advocated for the passing of legislation in Michigan to protect vulnerable adults from predators seeking explicit photos online. Her work on this issue stemmed from a personal experience. After six years of providing testimony to the Michigan House and Senate, Allie’s bill, Justice for Allie, passed unanimously and was signed into law while Allie stood beside Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Allie also recently traveled to Washington DC as a representative for the National Down Syndrome Society. There, she met with Congress and lobbied for several federal bills that would improve the lives of people with Down syndrome.

Allie has an insatiable appetite for learning each and every day. She wants to be a blogger for middle-school-aged children who are seeking advice on issues related to their social life and mental health.

We are so proud of you, Allie! Keep on rockin’ it!