Two thousand one hundred ninety seven days of school and not a single day missed. Every school day since kindergarten, senior Laraya Griffith, has been present. Nothing has kept her from achieving her goal of perfect attendance for all of her school career.

“It means a lot to me because it’s something that describes who I am,” Laraya said. “I’m always going to be there for any event that I say I am going to.”

Never missing school has its pros and cons. Missing school can lead to missed assignments and lessons, which can lead to unnecessary stress. However, feeling sick and tired can make it tough to go to school. Laraya pushes through being tired and stressed so she can complete this rare achievement of perfect attendance.

“She’s up on assignments, gets her homework done and doesn’t turn in her assignments late,” mother Cassandra Griffith said. “She’s able to go to school and get her assignments. If you miss school then you’re not going to have pleasure time and recreation time because you’re going to have homework to do from your missed day.”

Laraya is not alone. Her brother, Brenton Griffith, had perfect attendance when he graduated in 2013. His success inspires her to succeed in her endeavours. Her family and friends also help her to attain her goal. Since the very start, her mother has been pushing Laraya to never miss a day, even when it got tough. After third grade, Laraya was motivating herself to make it to school every day.

“I guess when we were younger I would tell her ‘Oh, you’ve done it for so long, you shouldn’t skip’,” senior Brianna Faupel said. “I think it’s cool. I could never do this. She is very dedicated.”

Not only is Laraya impressing her friends, but she is also making those around her happy and proud. One of Laraya’s biggest supporters is her mother, and she couldn’t be happier with her daughter’s success.

“I’m just proud of her that she’s able to continue to give her best and accomplish this goal,” Cassandra said. “I feel pretty good that I accomplished my goal of my kids going to school and not missing any or a lot.”