Twelve years after Marty Walls and his twin daughters, Alanna and Aliyah, began their relationship with Marian Middle School, they are still a part of the Marian family. Marty credits Marian for helping his daughters bring their college dreams to life. They are excited to be giving back and thank Marian for encouraging them at a vital time in their lives.
Marty was a single parent when Alanna and Aliyah began their Marian journey.
“It was a life-changing experience not only for my girls, but for me as well.” Financial challenges threatened to take them off course when the girls were freshmen at Incarnate Word Academy, but Marty remembers Marian’s continued support. “Marian gave us hope and helped us persist. Providence brought our family together with Marian, and helped propel the girls all the way through Incarnate Word, and eventually to the University of Central Missouri.”
Aliyah and Alanna graduated from the University of Central Missouri in 2018.
Aliyah earned a degree in Business Marketing. Her love of children and outdoor education led her back to Camp Sherwood where she worked summers in leadership positions. In 2018 she joined the professional team at Camp Sherwood as a Quest Program Coordinator. Determined and focused, Aliyah plans to go back to school for her Master’s in Nonprofit Management.
Alanna loves her job at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. There she focuses on connecting with the 2019 high school graduates and their parents. This program follows students up to the age of 25. Her role as a Big Futures Specialist pulls her out of her comfort zone and uses the marketing skills she learned at UCM to build relationships.
Aliyah and Alanna have begun their journey through adulthood. Marty Walls and his wife, Gloria, are pleased with the girls’ success. As for Marty, he retired from the St. Louis City Police Department in 2016 after 22 years of service and is currently an Associate at Ameren. He also holds a Master’s Degree from Webster University in Organizational and Security Management.
Today Marty gives back by serving on a Marian Board Committee. Marty, Aliyah, and Alanna each use the word “blessed” when they describe their journey with Marian. That echoes with many of us as members of the Marian family.