Leeanne Tucsnak Pierce was the first Ayers Scholar to graduate from college in 2002. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year, we checked back in with Leeanne to see where life has taken her. 

“I could not imagine where I would be if I had not graduated when I did. I have made amazing friends and co-workers, and have been able to assist hundreds of people with needed services,” Leeanne said. “The Ayers Foundation Trust is a great opportunity for our kids. It can expand their world in ways that are unimaginable.”

Leeanne graduated from Riverside High School in 2000 and was in the first class of Ayers Scholars. She received a scholarship from the Ayers Foundation and graduated from Union University with a degree in Psychology in just three years. After college, she earned her master’s in Counseling from the University of Memphis and began her career with the state of Tennessee Department of Human Services where she continues to work today assisting people with disabilities. 

As a Field Supervisor for the state’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program, she helps provide pre-employment services to students with a disabilities in high school (public, private, or homeschool). Just as Leeanne’s counselors helped her 25 years ago, she now pays it forward and also helps students in high school figure out their next steps. 

“I have now been able to turn around and inform Ayers Foundation counselors of services that are available for students,” she said. 

Leeanne now lives in Parsons with her husband and son and is active in her church and community. 

“Not only am I happy to be an Ayers scholar, but I am also thrilled that my little boy will eventually be an Ayers scholar as well,” Leeanne added, “I know how it opened my world, and I love to hear stories from people about how it opened their world. I can’t wait to see how it will open his eyes.”