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Grads with Grit

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

Family and friends pushed her to excel, grad says

Grads with Grit Janice Holst

To some, using a wheelchair might mean marching band was out, but not for Sarah Abma...

If you give a kid a 3D printer he will want to be a NASA engineer

Grads with Grit Erin Albanese

Graduate Bryan Rosello Lizardo overcame challenges and struggles, and is headed to the University of Michigan...

Toughing it out through troubled times, she sets her sights on college

Grads with Grit Morgan Jarema

Before coming to the district, Ivy and her two brothers -- one older, one younger -- had lived in 16 different homes and been in and out of a half-dozen schools as a result...

From homelessness to supporting himself, he’s ready for college

Grads with Grit Erin Albanese

Technically homeless, Tristen Foley worked and studied around the clock to get his diploma...

Determined grad finds her way from life-altering earthquake to success

Grads with Grit Janice Holst

Coming to U.S. from Haiti just two years ago, Roodflore Winkels has accomplished much and is reaching for new heights...

Coming from struggle, Somali student wants to ‘change someone’s life’

Grads with Grit Morgan Jarema

A Forest Hills Northern High School graduate born in war-torn Somalia plans to leverage the opportunities he has been given in this country to help children and families adjust to the U.S. and its culture...

‘You can’t rely on other people to build you up’

Grads with Grit Morgan Jarema

Shane Brewer admits he once did “the bare minimum” in school. “I just scraped along. It’s not that I’m not smart. I just didn’t see the point.” Until he did...

Undaunted by Disease, Staying the Course

Grads with Grit School News Network

Standing in a hall of Sparta High School, Steven Sevarns wore a smile that might suggest he wasn't headed to class that day. He...

A ‘Battler’ who Wouldn’t Settle for Less

Caledonia School News Network

Brittney Schnicke's first thought as she stared at her limp, badly damaged fingers was not whether she would be able to keep them, or...

Shooting for the Top

Grads with Grit Erin Albanese

Donnie Alford owns his past with a perspective on where he comes from, where he is today and why it all matters that seems...

Diploma: ‘I Feel Like it Changed My Life’

Grads with Grit Charles Honey

Tyler Zahnke sat down at his musical instrument – aka, his Toshiba laptop – and proceeded to open a wonder-box of sounds. He called...

Drawing a Path to Her Future

Grads with Grit Erin Albanese

Katie Bork's drawings explode with imagination. Scenes in black ink reveal a world right out of her brain. Faceless people go about their daily...

Unbreakable Spirit

Grads with Grit Linda Odette

A recent district grad who's lived his life with serious health problems is on his way to Harvard, an accomplishment that surprised even him. Justin...

‘A Better Life, a Safe Life, a Good Future’

Grads with Grit Charles Honey

In a swirling sea of students in red and white caps and gowns who were hugging family members and being photographed, Abdulhadi Aljazaeri stood...

Future Takes Flight: ‘I Will Do Whatever It Takes’

Grads with Grit Charles Honey

Nolte Cunningham’s first experience on a plane was really bad. He was about 6 years old, on a flight taking his sister to the...

Determination over Depression: Future Trooper Found New Home and Career Calling

Grads with Grit Charles Honey

Editor’s note: This is the last of our “Grads with Grit” series about students who have overcome unusual challenges and hardships to graduate this...

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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.

Montessori educator talks passion, challenges & upsides of profession

Senior shutterbug lives to capture moments in time

Afghan student shares story of escape, survival & the hero who helped him on the way

Parents learn English, form school connections

Fifth-graders prepare for STEM project with an animal visit

Art plus STEM = student-designed machines

Library learning includes space, the eclipse and all things astronomical

Book battle promotes literacy, teamwork

High-schoolers share experience in AP African American Studies with State Board of Education

Red Hawk Rivals episode 2: ‘Cornhole’

High school journalists provide behind-the-scenes look at news production

Basketball team unites students, promotes inclusion

Grads with Grit

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