Rockland High School Graduate Never Missed A Day Of School
ROCKLAND (CBS) - A recent graduate of Rockland High School just managed to never miss a day of school from kindergarten all the way through senior year.
While she was active in school sports and extra-curricular activities, Haley Millen made it her priority to always answer the bell.
"You have a goal that you're going for, and you just gotta do what you can to reach it," said Haley.
Think about it, she had perfect attendance at school since kindergarten. She overcame some bouts with a cold or flu, and skipped some family get-togethers so she could make it to all 2,340 school days.
WBZ-TV's Ken MacLeod reports.
"I didn't even realize it, because Haley does not tell a lot of people. She doesn't want a lot of attention," said Susan Patton, the assistant principal.
It all began when Haley was 4 years old, and her mom read her an article about another child who never missed a day.
"And Haley at that time said, 'Mom, I'm gonna do this, and I'm gonna do it for you,'" said Peggy Millen, Haley's mom.
Of course, a pre-schooler's promise is easily forgotten. But not Haley, even when classmates thought she was crazy.
"Some think I'm nuts some days, like they see me come into school completely exhausted or just falling asleep, and they're like, 'Why don't you just go home,'" said Haley.
She toughed it out, though, piling on the perfection year to year, even when "Senior Skip Day" rolled around.
When she got her diploma, a local jeweler gave her a diamond and sapphire ring for her flawless committment.
"It's kind of surreal almost, like it doesn't feel like it's done and over with," said Haley.
Haley is heading to UNH to study marine biology in the fall, but is making no promises about perfect attendance.
Haley's parents didn't push her to go every day. When she wavered on some mornings, they left the choice to her, and she always saw fit to head for school.
Haley added that she's proud of the accomplishment, but a little embarrassed by the attention.
Her assistant principal said Haley is a remarkable girl in a remarkable class, where 92 percent of the graduating seniors are going onto some form of college.
