La Porte High School senior Heather Neely is an Iron Woman. This isn't a play on a superhero type persona but rather one more grounded and arguably more impressive.
Neely has achieved the unthinkable. She has never missed a single day of school in her entire school career.
Neely has remained loyal to her school and her studies. Through sickness and bad weather, through the temptation of skipping on beautiful days and sleeping in, Neely has always made sure to show up to school and give her attention to her teachers and her studies.
"My motivation came from my mom telling me how important attendance was and I just listened to her until about seventh or eighth grade when I realized myself that it was important," says Neely. "I became determined to prove to myself I could do it."
Neely's motivation to come to school has developed into more than just a goal of showing up on time and being present during classes, but rather an essential part of her life and future goals. Being present is important to Neely, something that she hopes others can take away as well.
"I do not like seeing others miss school for no reason," says Neely. "I understand that people get sick sometimes and are unable to come but I hope that people will understand that it's not impossible and going to school every day will not only help you in school but with your future and morals as well."
It's these views that Neely holds close to her that not only fuels her desire to do well outside of school and in her future goals.
"I plan to complete my schooling that goes from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade," says Neely. "I plan on continuing to carry my dedication to my attendance through college and my future careers."
For Neely, she has battled the ever distracting odds of childhood and teenage life to devote herself to getting the most out of her education. It is through this dedication that Neely is prepared to use towards her future to do the act that so many cannot: show up.
'There were definitely days like senior skip day where I really wanted to be at a beach or days I was not feeling well, but I had worked so hard to get here and neither were worth ruining my personal dedication for," says Neely. "I would have to be dead to not be at school."