Exceptional Student Overcame Obstacles: Grad Shoutout

CREST HILL, IL — Graduation is a major milestone and deserves to be celebrated! That's why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to recognize our community's outstanding 2024 graduates.

This submission comes from Katherine McAleese who nominated Michael of Crest Hill.

Graduate’s name

Michael

What grade is the graduate finishing?

high school

What school is your graduating student graduating from?

Lockport Township

How do you know your graduating student nominee?

Grandson

Tell us why they deserve to be nominated!

Michael is an exceptional student who overcame an unstable home environment. He was bounced around from house to house, school to school and at times to living with relatives (separated from his older brother and sister) and at times-motels and shelters.

Yet, he loved the stability and emotional and academic support provided by the public school system.

Books, his laptop and his teachers helped him realize the importance of education. Attending school kept him out of gangs, drugs, trouble with the law and off the streets.

As soon as he turned 16, he got a job to help his single mom out. But school remained a priority.
Although he's shy at first meeting, he warms up quickly and will do anything to help- like share what little he has.

I call him my little smarty-pants because he's earned so many "A"s.

He's worked hard to stay committed to his educational success.

He's just an all around good kid (I should say young adult).

He sure could use a break in life.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about your graduating student nominee?

He's a great candidate for some financial help for college. He won't let us down. Period.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Michael!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know an outstanding student who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.