While I respect these kid's accomplishments; I have to wonder, if the young man was "puking buckets"; how many kids missed the next day of school because they caught whatever stomach virus this kid had? I'd hate to know I made a bunch of kids very sick with swine flu or something, just so I could "get recognized for something". Ever worse, if, God forbid, a kid died.

I also know of a family in my hometown whose three children never missed a single day. It was impressive, but I do recall asking to be moved to another desk because one of them was so sick with the flu. Fortunately I didn't get it then

This accomplishment is not uncommon. I attended Atlanta Public Schools and every year during the High School graduations of APS there is a perfect attendance award given out for "Perfect Attendance K-12". And every year a few people get one for every school in the city. So maybe if the person doing this article dug a little deeper they would have had other people to write an article about.

I totally agree with you. There was a girl in my high school graduating class who never missed a day of school. While it is less common that someone going through the whole year with no absences, it still is not as uncommon as many other things. Kudos to the girl in the article though. May she be blessed with a happy and healthy life.

Yes, this is an accomplishment. I missed 2 days in 9th grade after spraining an ankle pole-vaulting back in the day when we did have those inflatable rafts on which to land. All we had then were sawdust pits, which, at best, were maybe 6 inches deep.

Never thought much about going to school nor was I an exceptional student. Just figured that it was the thing to do.

This will be mentioned in my book which should go to press in about a year (hint, hint). I attended a rural Iowa one-room school as depicted on the reverse of the Iowa Quarter. The same teacher taught 8 grades (circa 1949-1958). It had no running water. Boys and girls toilets were the out-door type and were located about 100 yards from the building. 2 narrow cement sidewalks directed the way. 6th grade boys (I was the only one when I made it to the 6th grade) shoveled the walks in the winter. The flag was raised daily; the Pledge of Allegiance opened the school day. The school itself was open for more than 100 years. Of the 100's who attended, a Native American girl, my younger sister and myself were the only ones who graduated from college. Most were farm kids who went into farming just like their parents and grandparents. The school closed in 1968 with the kids bused to "town school."

The Feat that she performed I would like to say congratulations, but she is not the first and only one to do it. Three kids from chicago Illinois did it together. The three of them (Robert,Angela and Odel) attended Grade School (K-8) and High School (9-12) together and never missed a day From September 4, 1973 until June 13, 1986 and we received an award from our High School and we still are close friends till this day.

You go girl ... congrads .... I did it too... back in the 60's and 70's ... and now that I am 48 yrs old... I can tell you it opened alot of doors for me with employment opportunities. Keep up the pace and way to go!

Good accomplishment.  I had a school classmate who would have had the 13-year perfect attendance... except for one day... and our family was to blame for her tardy arrival.  My father drove my friend Ann and I to school on days when it rained.  We had made arrangements to pick Ann up.  Unfortunately that morning my grandmother who lived with us had a heart attack and my father took her to the hospital.  Ann was late for school.  Even with a letter from my parents and my grandmother's doctor the school would not excuse the tardy arrival.  So Ann was not able to claim perfect attendance.  I think the school should have reconsidered.  What do you think?

I have to wonder, if the young man was "puking buckets"; how many kids missed the next day of school because they caught whatever stomach virus this kid had? I'd hate to know I made a bunch of kids very sick with swine flu or something, just so I could "get recognized for something".

That's what I never understood about these "perfect attendence" deals. We tell people that if they're sick they need to stay home so they don't spread their disease to others around them, then at the same time give people trophies for the "accomplishment" of coming to school or work when they're sick.

Of course she claims "She's never had a serious illness or a high fever" but I guess that depends on your own definition. Everybody gets sick every now and then to a certain degree and if you're sick please do the rest of us a favor and stay home.

So youre saying its ok for her to go to school and get other kids sick just so she can get some BS recognition that will never ever help her in life??? You are retarted.

Way to go girl! Good luck with your future!

Probably helped that her mom didn't smoke crack and that she knows who her father is.

Never went to school sick? Yeah Right! These are the kids that make the rest of the students sick and responsible parents are the ones left to follow the rules of the school.

I have a friend who boasts perfect attendance for her brother, niece and nephew and her family doesn't think twice about sending all of them to school with a fever. No kudos from me, simply disgust!

You are setting these kids up for a big dissappointment when they arrive in the REAL world. They will be filled with resentment and animocity when they see their co-workers taking time to care for themselves when they are ill, or when the stay home with their sick kids. Let's not glorify not taking care of yourself.

Great story but I do think that the newspaper should have dug a little further because this is not that uncommon. I had perfect attendance for 12 years, grades 1 -12. I graduated in 1993 from highschool. I never got anything more than a minor cold and never stayed home just because.

In 2006 my son graduated from Northwest Cabarrus High in NC. He also had 13 years of perfect attendence. Not only did he accomplish the feat but 4 other students from the same school (3 boys all went from K-12 together) and 3 others from the same county but different schools. 7 students from one small NC county (Cabarrus). It's a great accomplishment and it really looks good on a job resume. My son has been employed at the same job since he was 16 and he hasn't had a sick day during those 5 years also.

My son, also a senior with a straight A average, has never missed a day since pre-school; that's 15 years! I guess it's just not considered a big deal in New York. Congratulations to ALL the stidents who have achieved this!

My brother did the same thing...He graduated in 2000. Congratulations...that is a feat.

Congrats to the girl for 13 yrs of not missing a day BUT I too know of a few people who did the same--one of them my brother -Charles L (Corkey) Duke. We lived in Buckhead (not of Atlanta but in Morgan Cty) GA. He graduated from Morgan Cty High, Madison, GA in 1975. I went 9 yrs without missing a day plus was an A student till I had to have an emergency operation so I know how great it feels to go & not miss days.

I work at a school in Houston that has a contest for the numerous students who have perfect attendance since Kindergarten. I don't really think that it is uncommon or a big enough deal to have an article written about it. A local car dealersip donates a car for the ONE "perfect attendance" senior that is drawn from a pool of 10 or so.

Whoopty Do! I know plenty of people made it through K-12 and went to college and got their Masters. They enjoyably got to miss a few days of school here and there, and still got their school work turned in on time. It is more impressive to see kids who have a life other than school and still excel.

Well congratulations but this is certainly not the only kid that has ever done this........I did long ago. I gradutated in 1984 back in those days and we didn't get half days(that counted like a full day) for teacher planning sessions and all of these days off for teacher conferences and the like we went every single day a full day. The sad thing is that in this day and age when many children do not appreciate their education and what it means that it probably is a lot more rare than in generations past.

I've been a teacher for five years, and I can't believe that in the 13 years she attended school she NEVER had a communicable illness. It says she didn't have a "high" fever -- that doesn't exclude a fever, even low, that would indicate an infection and quite possibly a communicable one at that. She sounds as if she comes from a good home, one that maintains vaccinations, vitamins, and healthy habits. The child next to her might not be so lucky. I have a student now who is asthmatic and prone to respiratory infections that often land him in the hospital. I'd hate to think a child like he would be in the hospital because her respiratory infection wasn't deemed serious enough to jeopardize her certificate.

Our county has a clearly stated policy that any child who has A fever (not just high, thank you) and/or is symptomatic has to be fever- and symptom-free for 24 HOURS before he/she should return to school. In my district, the boy mentioned and most likely the girl would have been rewarded for violating school policy for personal advancement, while most likely compromising another child's health, attendance, and learning opportunties, perhaps one who could much less afford to lose instruction than the future doctor. Question. . . in her future as a doctor, when presented with a sick child, how would she advise the parent or child as to that child's attendance while being sick? Do as I say, not as I do? Or ignore public health advisories so you can get some recognition down the road?

This accomplishment is fairly common. My graduation class had two students who never missed a day K-12. And staying in school while sick, that is more than good. What would have happened if it was not something easily cured? She would have worn her body down even more. I believe the author needs to develop their story a bit more.

it's rediculous and stupid. Life is much more than attending school. There are legitimate reasons to miss a day of school. It will not make you rich ether. About 10 years (or less) from now who will care?

It amazes me how many people actually think that is it a good thing to attend school after "puking buckets" only to spread your germs to others.

Parents should not let their kids go to school sick. Plain and simple. It is irresponsible and inconsiderate to others. Even daycares have a 24 fever policy (can't bring yout kid back within 24 hours of having a fever). Why are puclic schools any different? It is this type of mentality that has wound my daughter up in the hospital with illnesses she never would have gotten if folks would have just kept their sick kids home and stopped using the public school system as a free babysitting service.

I have been forced to remove my child from school and homeschool her despite the fact that I work full time due to her missing so much school from hospitalizations due to catching other kids fevers, respiratory infections, stomach viruses, that may not have debilitated them, but landed my girl in the hospital.

People who knowlingly infect other people for their own personal gain should be punished not rewarded.

Go to school sick and get an award. This is as bad as those jerks who never miss work, but instead show up sick and infect everyone else. And people praise them. Incredible.

This is more common than not. My oldest son never missed a day. Never sick, and No i did not send him to school sick. He caught chicken pox on the friday before spring break and was cleared by the doctor when spring was over during his 5th grade year.

However, due to him being late one morning as I had hiim getting a vacinatin for some outbreak that was going on in the community, and becuase I did not send a doctor;s note he was counted out the whole day. For that, he showed one missed day.

That one I could kick myself for.

But it is an accomplsihment.........she should be congratulated...But for my son, luckily he was a pretty healthy kid.

Recognition is good and we should do more of if for our teens that seem dedicated.

Okay...so she has gone to school everyday since kindergarden...BUT SHE IS NOT THE FIRST TO DO THIS!!!! Back in 2007, in Rome, GA the class of 2007 had a girl that did this...she went to school sick, injured (she played sports), she did not take off when HER FATHER DIED! And to top it all off she graduated with Honors. But nobody made a big thing about her in the media. I am glad that this girl was able to make it school everyday...But big deal she is not the first and won't be the last...

I'm just saying...

NERD!!!!

Man you people are brutal. These are kids. They have achieved something rare, inspite of those on this anomous forum making claims. So if these kids were low income growing up in less than ideal circumstances, with few prospects ahead of them I would suppose several of you would change your point of view.

The fact is kids are kids, this is a positive story, even if it only showcases a few. They have proven that they posess a work ethic that seems to be a dying character trait in this country. They have shown that it isn't the reward rather the expectation of a job well done. They are headed in a great direction.

For those who are spouting inaine garbage at these young people... Dollars to donuts they have already accomplished more in their short lives than you at whatever age and stage. Keep in mind it is their generation that will be in charge of your retirement situation and probably your boss in years to come.

An accomplishment, terri arnett.

Terri,

May God protect your child, sounds like he has plans for his life.

Your son has never been sick? Impossible.

Haven't you heard of Miracle Doctors? Several employees at my work have them. They call in "sicker than a rabid dog" one day and the next they are back to work as if they were never sick...

I wouldn't say it's any more or less valid than your accomplishment. The fact that is there a probably many students nationwide that are graduating this year who never missed a single day of school. This story does not diminish their achievement it just highlights a few who stand out either due to geography (how close to the reporters home city they are) or someone actually taking the time to pursue recognition for the teen. I applaud all of those students who have the determination and presence of mind to commit to their education. As a high school drop-out  who later saw the error of his ways and went to college I know how hard it is to ignore that little voice that tells you the mild, sunny days of spring are best spent away from class. I also know the frustration one feels while being "trapped" in the social experiment gone awry that is public high school. It takes a special type of person to rise above it all and recognize that the path to success is difficult and still make the decision to pursue it. Kudos to you and may your life be filled with happiness and success.

Especially if you're DEAD! Has anyone ever considered that chicken pox (not ALL kids are vaccinated) is fatal to the elderly, immunologically compromised and infants who are too young for the vaccine? Another research study (still questionable) writes that those who do not suffer from frequent colds, etc. are more likely to die prematurely from cancer and heart disease?

Nah. High School was a LOT harder and more stressful than college. In college you have a more flexible schedule and less classes. Even now that I'm in grad school and working full time I can't say it's hard - I'm just super busy! Medical school, however, I cannot attest to.

I might wonder what type of degree you have and what state you are in msmerymac. A BS in Biochemistry has been far harder than highschool. The workload is more than 100 times what highschool was. But I tend to think they graduate people based on one metric. If heart rate > 0 then student graduates;

What? Did he get held back 7 years? I wasn't even alive 14 years until half-way through the 8th grade.

LOL. that's too funny!

ian,
WHOOSH!!

And? Now she can.

Maybe she does all of her shopping after school hours but is getting ready early?

My daughter uses a bag because it`s easier than a backpack and easier on the back too, but it`s a Trader Joes greenbag not a designer handbag.

Sorry, Elle.

I understand the point of your argument...and it's a good one...but I think there's far too much made of "limits" these days. More often than not they're an excuse.

The young woman in this story seems to know what "limits" are...and just as important: what they aren't.

They *aren't* arbitrary values put on exercises or achievements when you don't feel like reaching for it one day. They *are* hard-set, absolute concepts: you do or you don't.

An eighteen-year old can't possibly know her limits...nor should she respect them. Our children should be taught that their limits are only truly known after every ounce of strength, perseverance and ability are used up...and even then, limits can change with hard work.

Instead of giving in and saying, "I've reached my limit" she pushed herself. As a result, she's shown that her limits weren't diminished by fatigue or an occasional bout of the sniffles.

Good for her...and good for MSNBC for carrying this story. Kids need to see more displays of drive, ambition and a commitment to excellence.

Here's to this young woman who makes no excuses for herself, works hard and takes no shortcuts. She deserves everything her extraordinary drive will bring.

I guess... although any shopping I did after school was with my good old back pack with my books and pencil case and lunchbox in it. And I usually went home first anyway because I would want to change out of my uniform (compulsory at all school's where I'm from.)

A handbag just seems... impractical at best.

Well said!

Hi Shartorius - I completely understand your point. I do actually worry about the sort of kid who gives up far too easily. I think one can tell from this girl though that she's probably not one of them. My concern is with the "over achievers" like this girl who demand that everything they do is perfect. They can put far too much pressure on themselves, and I fear for the day when the do come across a challenge that they can't solve perfectly. They won't know how to deal with that "failure" and fall apart... When your physical and mental health are being strained because of your effort to "be the best", that's when it becomes a problem.

Perhaps this girl is coping well. I can only wish her good luck, and hope that she's not too hard on herself when she does get that B on a test in college.

Elle,

Yes, you're absolutely right. A strong will to achieve needs to be tempered with acceptance for those occasions where "the best you can do" isn't quite good enough.

I was one of those kids that got perfect attendance for 13 years also. But, I was also the kid you speak of that came to school sick. I remember that in 5th grade I had the flu and my mom made me go to school each day and checked me out early so I could get counted present for the day. I felt guilty about this even at this young age. I really just sat there with my head down on the desk those days, so just showing up really doesn't count for perfect attendance from my perspective. Shame on my mom for putting such pressure on me to go to schoool sick, but thanks for showing me that I can overcome anything if I put my mind and body to it. Ha ha

I graduated with one of those students, the kind that comes to school and gets everyone else sick. She received a scholarship for her perfect attendance.

Meanwhile I was out of school for five months in my junior year and two months my senior year for a hereditary heart condition and another classmate developed cancer. We both were in and out of doctor's offices and hospitals, but worked hard to keep up with our classes. I ended up having to teach myself trigonometry because the tutor I eventually worked with didn't have much math expertise. I graduated in the top 10% of my class (I don't know about my classmate with cancer).

It rather pissed my mother off, considering how hard my classmate and I worked to graduate and received no recognition, while she received a scholarship just for showing up. I'm not saying all students with perfect attendance shouldn't be congratulated for it. It's a tough thing to do. But the kids that just show up everyday, without really doing anything as far as the classes go, shouldn't be awarded something like a scholarship just for making an appearance, in my opinion.

I agree and did the same thing but did not miss for a week of school that wasn't counted as missing like she did. got a certificate. from KY too.

Well good for you........who is gonna care in 20 years? What a waste of an article. I let my kids pick a day off just for fun. Let's let our kids talk and decide who had more fun.

In this girl's lifetime there have been vaccines for all those diseases so kids don't get those anymore. My daughters have never had those illnesses due to being vaccinated as well. My 16 year old has only missed 3 days of school in her lifetime and my 11 year old only 2, and I dont send them to school sick because they never get sick, like me. I didn't miss any days in high school.

Good points; perhaps the kid'll break and start shooting up all the other kids - perfect attendance isn't worth it psychologically. Too bad for her. Grades are EARNED!

JIMradio

I knew a post like this was coming - what the hell were you thinking....well, lets skip that part....some things you just don't need to say out loud....and you are a sick F....

when they get done with you I hope the jail they send you to has Nickleodeon......

Personal day? Kids in school don't get personal days. LOL.

Too true! Right on and often the ones who suffer most are the TEACHERS! And one might wonder "why"? I don't. Sick is sick and psychosis runs in families. Kealoha!

She is a straight A student, didn't you read the article? She did this herself. Doesn't sound like there were any bribes to me.

I go to Harvard, and I missed the occasional day of school. I still do miss school a lot, and my college GPA is by no means low. Sometimes, you have to weigh the costs and the benefits of being in the classroom. If the costs outweigh the benefits, it's simple, your time could be better spent elsewhere.

There should not be an award simply for showing up, even if you are sick with the flu or dying from exhaustion. At the same time, an A does not necessarily mean that you have learned anything. This girl is not just "doing this for herself", she is pursuing a skewed vision of perfection, exacerbated by societal standards of what is correct. It is asinine to come to school if your coming will cause others to be sick or mean that you will be too exhausted to truly learn the material (and not just for the A).

That is not to say that we should all skip school. However, as with anything, an outstanding attendance record is best done in moderation and with deliberate planning.