HomeProfiles of Students, Staff, TeachersGrads with Grit

Grads with Grit

A series proudly sponsored by Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, about students who have had to overcome unusual challenges and hardships to graduate this spring.

What it means to be a ‘Grad with Grit’

Kentwood School News Network

In this episode of “Study Hall,” recent graduate JB Barnes and his dad, Kevin Barnes, talk about life together, their mutual love of cars and never giving up.

This senior’s secret: Learn how to embrace change

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A move to a new district and the loss of her grandmother left its mark on Sarai Calderon, but she regrouped and is now headed to college.

Amidst chaos, ‘cycle-breaker’ charts her own course to complete high school

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark

During senior year at East Lee High School, Gigi Martinez juggled school and multiple jobs to help provide for her family and earn her diploma.

Credit deficit? Map a plan, stick to it, says this grad

Caledonia Alexis Stark

After falling behind in the race to graduation, Caledonia High School senior Ryan Rivera stepped on the gas for the final lap and earned his diploma.

The epiphany that got this senior to graduation day

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Senior Kaiden Powell said a change in attitude helped him achieve the goal of graduating with his class.

For this grad, it’s all about turning negative energy into positive actions

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

As senior Caleb Badour prepares for his next step, he looks back at the challenges he faced and the philosophy that helped him through school.

Amid chronic pain, graduate transformed behavior to reach finish line

Kentwood Erin Albanese

JB Barnes’ high school years were a mix of frustration, disruption and hospitalization, until his dad and teachers helped him turn things around.

He found a better pathway to graduation

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

Senior Ronan Jameyson charted his own course towards earning his diploma from Pathways High School.

Red Hawk finds peace, vows to advocate for abuse survivors

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley

Class of 2024 graduate Rhiannon Proctor has earned her diploma, made plans for the future and found a tentative sense of peace after years of trauma.

Afghan student shares story of escape, survival & the hero who helped him on the way

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Wyoming senior Sami Ayazi is on a quest to find the man who saved his life during the Taliban takeover of Kabul.

From struggling to role model, thanks to strong teacher support

Lowell Erin Albanese

Senior Kenny Dysard went from being completely disconnected from school to becoming a volunteer reader to kindergarten students at his former elementary school.

‘This is when my life starts getting better’: EGR senior pushes through painful loss

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

This high-schooler overcame challenges, including the untimely loss of a parent, on his path to earning his diploma.

‘I know I’ve got it in me’

Byron Center Alexis Stark

After beating cancer at 4 years old and succeeding academically, graduate Jessica O’Neill will pursue her goal of becoming a nurse at Davenport University this fall...

Supportive friends, family & teachers made the difference

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

This recent graduate will be the first member of his immediate family to attend college...

Focus, trust helped this grad overcome pandemic setback

Caledonia Alexis Stark

Senior Juan Martinez came a long way from facing the possibility of not graduating to walking with his class to receive his diploma...

His most enduring style: a diploma

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

This Godwin Heights High School senior made up missing credits, fashioning his approach after his drive to create his own clothing brand...

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ABOUT US

School News Network reports on the 20 public school districts in Kent ISD, which enroll more than 102,000 students. Founded in 2013 as an initiative of Kent ISD, we are supported by local districts and community sponsors, and powered by an experienced team of reporters, editors and multimedia journalists. We specialize in covering classroom teaching and learning, analyzing the many issues facing students and highlighting the education magic that happens each day in our public schools.

Her career path was laid in first grade

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Not just a volunteer, but ‘a piece of the library’

He is demonstrating how important English is in business

Partnership pairs high-schoolers with scientists for real-world research

Simulated crime ties science, critical thinking & data analysis

Opportunities abound at first in-house career fair

Partnership with Black-founded nonprofit brings dedicated learning space

Learning life skills ‘where life happens’

State of the Student tackles four big topics

High-schoolers talk mental health with education leaders, legislators

Student news crew interviews state superintendent

Grads with Grit

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