Boca Ciega Student 'Won't Be Ruled by My Diseases'

Michelle Allman is a student, health advocate and mentor. The 17-year-old is active in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the American Arthritis Foundation. She has advocated on the state level in Tallahassee for awareness of juvenile health disabilities and is also a mentor for other children, according to the Pinellas County Public School District.

Allman is a junior at Boca Ciega High School's Center for Wellness and Medical Professions. She's taken an active role in education and awareness due to her own medical challenges. Allman is a Type 1 Diabetic and has Juvenile Polyarticular Rheumatoid Arthritis. Despite her medical challenges, she dedicated two months at All Children's Hospital this school year.

"I won't let my life be ruled by my diseases, Allman told the Pinellas County Public School District.

Allman's dedication and hard work paid off when she won first place in the Epidemiology catergory at the HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) State Leadership Conference. Now, she's heading to the HOSA National Leadership Conference in Orlando later this month.

Allman's career goals include becoming an epidemiologist and working at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.