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Grads with Grit

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

Commencement walk extra sweet for grad ‘who has conquered so much’

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

After a brain cancer diagnosis forced him to relearn how to walk and learn, Konnor VanDyke returned to school, graduated with his classmates and earned the 2026 Grit Award.

Refugee completes high school twice, graduates as valedictorian

Kentwood Erin Albanese

From Sudan to East Kentwood and now on to Stanford, senior Ahmed Elkwad shares his incredible climb to the top of his class.

Navigating seizures to find success through sport

Caledonia Alexis Stark

Student athlete and recent high school graduate Ty Lewandowski decided to not let his epilepsy define him or his future hockey career.

He credits school with helping him overcome grief, loss

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

This graduate lost a friend to gun violence and a grandmother to cancer, but he never gave up.

‘Be here, be present’: Grad reflects on loss of her mom

Lowell Erin Albanese

This Lowell High School senior’s life was turned upside down by her mother’s illness, but she pulled strength from the woman who taught her to live.

Not even facial reconstruction can stop this senior’s smile

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley

This senior has had multiple facial surgeries due to a degenerative condition affecting her jaw.

Now cancer-free, this senior is hoping to help others

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Multiple cancer recurrences, a major surgery and months of missed school haven’t stopped senior Adalae Reifinger.

‘People supported me, and now I can support others’

Wyoming Erin Albanese

After building a foundation in Wyoming, Afghan refugee Zabihullah Najafi graduates college with a mission to support immigrants.

Painful condition can’t dampen grad’s ‘high hopes’ for the future

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

This graduate pushed through the pain of sickle cell anemia, never letting his condition interfere with his academic progress.

He found strength, support & purpose on path to graduation

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

After personal loss, academic struggles and a crisis of purpose, this grad credits his late mother, family and Kelloggsville staff for helping him cross the finish line with the class of 2025.