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.

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...

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...

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