Alexandra Hope Hayes: Oakland Community College (Jane Standal Family Scholarship Award)

Allie is a three-time Rockin’ Recipient and proud recipient of the Jane Standal Family Scholarship Award. She is entering her fourth year at Oakland Community College, one-third of the way to completing her Associate’s Degree in Arts, focusing on General Studies. In April 2024, Allie was honored as an Outstanding Student at OCC and is especially proud of maintaining a 4.0 GPA!

Allie has big dreams for her future. She hopes to start a blog that supports middle schoolers in navigating social and emotional challenges—using her voice to help others, just as she has done so powerfully in the advocacy world.

Allie was crowned Michigan Miss Amazing in May 2025 and was appointed by the Governor of Michigan to serve on the Developmental Disabilities Council. She also represents on the National Family Research Council, giving her a seat at the table on a national level.

In 2024, Allie was named the National Down Syndrome Society’s Advocate of the Year. She continues to use her voice to push for legislation that improves the lives of people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Most notably, Allie championed a bill in her home state to protect vulnerable adults from online exploitation—legislation inspired by her own personal experience. After six years of tireless testimony before the Michigan House and Senate, her bill, Justice for Allie, passed unanimously and was signed into law while she stood proudly next to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. In April 2025, Allie met with members of Congress to advocate for the federal expansion of her bill. Her dream is to see Justice for Allie become a federal law.

Allie has a passion for learning and a heart for advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, biking, studying crystals and chakras, and listening to Shakira. She continues to be a fierce and joyful voice for people with special needs.

Keep rockin’ it, Allie!