PALCS 8th grade student Prielle Lior wrote the following speech for a school choice rally at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Although the planned January 2026 rally was canceled because of a snowstorm, we’re still sharing Prielle’s words with you below:
Life is a story. But school is an important chapter in that story because it’s where we learn not just who we are, but who we can become. Before I joined PALCS, I knew I was a good person, but I didn’t know I was great. I was still learning who I was and where I belonged.
I always followed people and was never truly myself. I felt pressure to be perfect in math, afraid that little mistakes meant failure rather than growth. But when I became a part of this online school, that changed through learning, listening, and most importantly, making mistakes. Throughout my gymnastics journey, I ignored my pain, but then, with my teacher’s guidance, I realized that sometimes you can’t see people’s scars because they are on the inside, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
PALCS taught me to dream, to change, to do better. They don’t tell you; they ask you. They give you a choice: Performing Arts or Advanced classes, creating the first middle school yearbook like me or making a club, traveling the world or staying at home. You have a choice, and you have a purpose.
PALCS allowed me to meet teachers like Mr. Slusser who helped me stand firm in who I wanted to be. Teachers like Ms. Totman taught me that learning can be fun. And teachers like Ms. Algeo who overall just tolerated me (I’m kidding!). It’s called Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School for a reason, because they didn’t teach me to remain a follower; they trained me to become a leader.
Online school made me realize I never had to pretend I was someone I wasn’t. I could be… me. They take off the training wheels, and suddenly, you realize you were capable all along.
As the saying goes, “Life is a book. Some chapters are sad, some are happy and some are exciting but if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter has in store for you.” Every chapter teaches us something different, good or bad…and even if we don’t understand the story yet, we have to keep reading because the best is yet to come.
This online school helped me understand that students don’t have to fit one mold to learn. You’re never limited by your teachers; instead, you receive encouragement to achieve things that are impossible. Spaces like this allow students like me to learn from others without losing myself and the confidence to write my own story.
This school helped me when I was disconnected, displeased, doubted, and disappointed. PALCS helped me realize that my failure is not my finish; it’s the beginning of a new chapter. When supporting and encouraging schools like this, you’re not only investing in education, you’re changing lives.
PALCS didn’t change me or make me different; it showed me who I’ve always been. I’ve always sat in fear, but now I can stand confidently. I’m just getting started… not famous yet…but keep turning the page and I will be.
