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.

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...

On his own since 12, refugee student sets his sights on college and career

Kent ISD Morgan Jarema

‘Education is the universal key to unlocking any door,’ says Myanmar native an...

Post high school, she’s pursuing big dreams in the Big Apple

Grand Rapids Charles Honey

A year after graduating from high school during the pandemic lockdown, Mariah Barrera is wrapping up her first year at Columbia University in New York City...

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