HomeProfiles of Students, Staff, TeachersGrads with Grit

Grads with Grit

A series about students who have had to overcome unusual challenges and hardships to graduate this spring.

‘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...

No excuses, even in the face of loss

Kelloggsville Sean Bradley

After loss, Kelloggsville senior resilient ahead of graduation...

The story behind the yard sign: a proud first

Northview Morgan Jarema

This first-generation high school graduate sees his diploma as a ‘golden ticket to a better life’...

After struggling to focus, senior now sees infinite possibilities

Lowell Erin Albanese

After struggling in school and falling behind in credits, Damian Torres found the support he needed at Unity High...

Going to the mat got him to graduation

Comstock Park Karen Gentry

Sports helped this transfer student stay on track with academics...

Finding Luis

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Godwin grad Luis Ramos-Sanchez hopes to motivate others to discover who they are...

Beating cancer, with kindness and grace

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

Kenowa Hills senior beats bone cancer and graduates on time with the class of 2022...

Embraced by community, twins persevere

Caledonia Alexis Stark

‘Go-getter’ Caledonia High twins have stayed involved, learned to ‘grow through what you go through’ after losing their dad during their senior year...

Maturing, overcoming obstacles and planning for the future

Comstock Park Karen Gentry

Aiden Bond has worked through mental-health struggles, COVID and more on his way to graduation...

‘She does what she needs to do’

Wyoming Erin Albanese

After living independently for years and facing the death of her brother, Wyoming High School senior Adriana Ortiz-Torres looks toward her future in college and beyond...

The people on the journey

East Grand Rapids Phil de Haan

This East Grand Rapids senior says she can finally be herself...

Bolstered by community, she navigates loss & looks to the future

Kelloggsville Phil de Haan

Her mom, her faith and her school have helped this Kelloggsville High senior get through some of the toughest days of her life...

Ukrainian exchange student forges ahead amid change, uncertainty

Northview Morgan Jarema

It’s a lot to think about for any high-school senior: a new country, new culture and friends. And back home: war...

12 3...6 Page 1 of 6

- Sponsorship -

GET OUR HEADLINES IN YOUR EMAIL

SUSTAINING SPONSORS

Join these sponsors

- Sponsorship -

MEDIA PARTNERS

School News NetworkA Window into Your Public Schools

ABOUT US

School News Network reports on the 20 public school districts in Kent County, which enroll more than 90,000 students. Founded in 2013, we are an editorially independent news site funded by Kent ISD, local districts and community sponsors, and powered by an experienced team of reporters, editors and photojournalists. We specialize in covering classroom teaching and learning, analyzing the many issues that enhance or discourage student success, and highlighting the education magic that happens each day in our public schools.

Students connect their dreams to careers, college

A veteran superintendent looks back on 10 eventful years

‘Everybody loves Mr. P’

‘No day is the same, and that’s why I enjoy it’

Windproof houses and trash collectors made of trash: students get creative through STEM

Showing them how to search, ask, grow

Family members and heroes honored through art project

‘Sassy, funny, scary’: students excited to return to the stage

Students spruce up greenhouse, make home for houseplants

‘Creating a feeling of compassion & care’

Testing, testing! How educators use assessments to help students learn

Students & grandpas connect through cards, hugs, common languages

Grads with Grit

GET OUR HEADLINES IN YOUR EMAIL

SUSTAINING SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

ABOUT US

FOLLOW US

OUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS