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.

‘I have to push myself’

Grads with Grit Erin Albanese

Rodrigo Lopez-Ruiz, whose family lives in Mexico, has worked hard to support himself and take accountability during high school, overcoming odds to graduate. He also serves others through his job at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital...

From childhood struggles in Georgia to student leader at Comstock Park

Grads with Grit Karen Gentry

Switching states and school systems after a difficult childhood, Abbie Glass blossomed into a student leader at Comstock Park High School...

She’s ‘small but mighty’ and ready to fly

Grads with Grit Phil de Haan

Despite a time of homelessness in ninth grade, and the COVID-19 school closure as a senior, Kelloggsville senior Naudia Potts is set to graduate and has been accepted to Central Michigan University where she will major in social work...

Brother and sister work hard for ‘a better future, a better life’

Grads with Grit Charles Honey

Anyelin and Yustin Vasquez Lopez left a dangerous life in Guatemala to achieve academic excellence and set career goals in America...

Young mom surpasses expectations to get to graduation day

Godwin Heights Bridie Bereza

Ahnaka Ortiz-Rodriguez started high school while pregnant and will graduate on time, with honors and an upward trajectory-- toddler in tow...

‘A light that cannot and will not be put out’

Grads with Grit Janice Holst

Surviving family trauma and housing instability, getting behind on classes, losing beloved grandmothers and becoming a mother did not stop this senior from walking across the graduation stage...

Plan failed? Draw up a new one

Grads with Grit James Harger

Two years ago, Chris Hribek was on a road to nowhere with failing grades, attendance issues and an attitude problem...

Overcoming homelessness to get her degree, she’s ready to help others

Grads with Grit Erin Albanese

Jordan Lovett, once homeless, graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She is eager to advocate for others facing similar struggles to her own...

‘A drive to prove myself’

Grads with Grit Hannah Lentz

Brittle bone disease has not stopped Thornapple Kellogg senior Kaleb Sydloski from taking part in band, swimming and tennis while in high school...

From Grief and Recovery to Graduation

Grads with Grit Janice Holst

This high school senior survived a deadly car accident, determined to re-build his physical strength and graduate with his class...

‘Your worst situation … can make you the best person that you can be’

Grads with Grit Bridie Bereza

Self-reliant since early childhood, Tiana Studebaker’s path to graduation was filled with instability. At commencement, she tipped her hat to her alternative school classmates for their perseverance...

‘Surround yourself with people who care about you’

Grads with Grit Morgan Jarema

Aubrey Robinson had a tough go before switching to Northview from another district. But once she did, she soared...

‘I didn’t give myself any other option’

Grads with Grit Morgan Jarema

When Don Zandbergen was suspended from school the second semester of his junior year, he knew he could just not go back. That thought lasted about a second...

Diagnosis, robotics shape her confidence, drive & compassion

Grads with Grit Hannah Lentz

Senior Ellie Clark keeps herself busy helping run her organization, Ellie’s Elephants, which has raised more than $350,000 for diabetes research since 2004. She was diagnosed with the condition when she was 4...

The world is now the stage for graduate who overcame behavioral issues

Grads with Grit Erin Albanese

Shamar is known as a jokester, a fun-loving, energetic student. He dreams of becoming a professional actor. But he spent several years constantly in trouble and struggling to find his way...

Blessed and grateful: challenges faced with positive attitude

Caledonia Hannah Lentz

Senior Cayleigh Constance has overcome challenges from family illness to mental health. After a four-month hiatus, she’s on track to graduate this year...

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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.

She’s ready for the heavy lift, then onto baking

Her passion: advocating for ‘that one kid’

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

Not even facial reconstruction can stop this senior’s smile

Kelloggsville band ready to ‘soar’ on national stage

Gaining real-world experience through work-based learning

Helping students see what’s possible through arts careers

Bridging the tech gap for older adults

Hope Squad making school safe & welcoming to all

Peers build relationships, practice social skills

SEALS: Where the tiniest hands reach for the biggest hearts

‘Blast Off!’: Finding focus & fun on sensory path

Grads with Grit

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