Among the many things taught there, both personally and academically, is that dedication and hard effort pay off.
High school has a lot of potential for teaching the importance of achievement.
Of course, happiness is more than simply attaining greatness in life, but no one would ever dispute that having the desire and educational foundation to achieve is a bad thing.
Being designated valedictorian is one of the most prestigious honors in a high school tenure.
To do so, however, one must keep a 3.9-4.0 Grade.
Most of us had taken a “year off” in high school.
Whether it was in our first year, when we were adjusting to a heavier task, in our third year, when the social aspect of schooling became too much of a distraction, or in our final year, when the growing pressure became too much and quitting at the last obstacle just seemed simpler.
But if you want to be called valedictorian, you can’t even take a day off from school, or your scores will suffer.
As a result, you’d think that only children who have the advantage of growing up in a secure home would be eligible for this distinguished title.
Griffin Furlong, however, is one valedictorian who is putting a stop to that image.
Griffin differs from other valedictorians in that he did not grow up in a secure setting.
Griffin and his father have actually been destitute for the past 12 years.
Griffin never had the protection of his own apartment or even the same roof over his head throughout his high school tenure.
Being destitute does not provide a “quiet setting” in which to learn.
Griffin is an example because of this. He defied the chances, resolved to finish, and ultimately did so.
On commencement day, he was right there with the rest of the pupils. As if that wasn’t enough, he was also designated valedictorian of his cohort.
Griffin is obviously a sophisticated child for his age. When questioned how he felt about graduating, he merely stated:
“I just want to demonstrate that no matter what you’ve been through, anyone can do it.” I never want to go through that again. I do everything I can to avoid living like that.”
