Beth Allison
By Joan Frances | Photos by Anna Robertson –
Beth Allison graduated from George Ranch High School this past May, the first class to complete all four years at this new school. Unlike many students right out of high school, Beth knows exactly what her future will be thanks to the encouragement of her family and support of her teachers at George Ranch.
Beth was a student of Lamar Consolidated ISD all twelve years of her educational progress. Dad, Mom and older sister Kate all have been involved with the growth of the community and success of the school district. They are members of Sugar Land Baptist Church, where Beth was involved in the youth group spending summers at camp, as well as giving her time helping the less fortunate. After the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, Beth went to New Orleans to help paint and rebuild a preschool. She also volunteers her time at Rawfully Organic, a nonprofit co-op in Houston that supports organic food by selling fruits and vegetables to the public every Saturday. The purchases reassure continued growth of organic foods, free of any harmful chemicals, natural and better for the body.
Beth changed her diet in 2012 Thanksgiving morning after she made herself a large plate of bacon. She decided to quit and eat only vegetarian food. Then on February 1st, 2013, she chose the vegan regimen. This decision changed the course of her life. Beth took a class in Culinary Arts in high school and met teacher Julie Waumsley who helped her come up with different ways to prepare the food she ate. At first her classmates were skeptical. The thought of no dairy, meat, fish, chicken, not even honey, anything of animal origin, seemed less than appetizing. Beth came up with creative ways to prepare fruits and vegetables. Soon, the idea caught on, and her classmates enjoyed the idea of healthy eating. When asked what she enjoyed the most about cooking, Beth replied, “Seeing the faces of people enjoy the food I prepare and how surprised they are. The benefits are more energy, and they feel better.”
During her tenure at George Ranch, Beth was a runner on the track team, a member of the National Honor Society her senior year, and as a junior, she was voted CTE Culinary Student of the Year. Her focus is cooking. “School would not have been the same if not for my culinary teacher. Julie Waumsley made food preparation fun. Before teaching, she had a catering business and has taught me important facets of the business.”
Beth intends to continue the support of her commitment by moving to Austin and open a vegan food truck. Since everyone loves fruits and vegetables, her family is extremely accommodating. Vegan eating is a lifestyle change, and they enjoy sampling her culinary creations. “The most successful way to become a long-term vegan is to do so gradually,” said Beth. Since April 2013, Beth has worked for Guru Burgers and Crepes. She is learning all about the restaurant business while working there.
George Ranch High School graduated over 450 seniors this year. Beth was in the top 25 percent and will be attending Texas State University in San Marcos this fall to major in Management with an entrepreneurial focus. When asked what value she lives by, she replied, “Stay true to yourself.” This statement sums up this innovative and insightful student who has a vision to change the choices people make by eating healthier food. Bravo Beth, congratulations, and thank you for your drive and ambition.