Cedar Grove High School graduate Parris Scott is ahead of her time. Before I graduated high school, many students, like myself, loved to take personal vacations while our classmates and friends suffered through science. Whether it was a doctor’s appointment or a trip to the dentist or a scratchy throat, it didn’t matter, it seemed like a holiday. Never missing a day in school from the first day of kindergarten up until her high school graduation, Scott saw things differently. She thought like my parents, attendance is an important part of your academic success. –brandi hart
How did you accomplish this triumph, never missing a day at school?
Well, my mom has always taught me that education was important, so I stuck with that throughout my 12 years of school. I didn’t see a reason to miss a day of school. It was just a waste of time if I wasn’t gravely ill.
What motivated you to get up every day and go to school?
I always felt that if I didn’t go to school, I would miss something. Especially in my high school because I had mostly AP [advanced placement] classes and missing a day of an AP class is like missing a semester.
Did you ever have a cold or a doctor or dentist appointment?
There was one time the school thought I had the swine flu, because I was really sick so they isolated me in this room and every period I ran to let them know I was there. Come to find out it was just a bad cold.
Why is attendance important?
You don’t want to have to keep playing catch up. You can miss out on a lot. In the end, you have to do make up work as well as the work you had for that day. Strive for greatness.
Were you the only person in your district that achieved this (from your graduating class)?
I did research and I’m not the only one in Georgia, but I know I’m the only one in my district.
What college are you planning to attend?
I made my final decision. I’m going to Georgia Gwinnett College. I love my mom. I’m a mommy’s girl. I want to be close to her.
What do you want your career to be?
An optometrist, I have a lot of eye problems. I feel that by the way the economy is going people need doctors and it’s hard to get a job. I would try to get a degree that will keep me in a steady job.
Scott was awarded a total of $34,600 in scholarship offers.
