Dedham High School Senior, Kara Kilroy, Approaches Milestone ...

The Department of Education states that each year approximately 4 million students graduate from high school.

It is not unheard of to see a news story or two pop up around the country, of a student that completes their education - grades k-12 - with perfect attendance. It is exceptional however, when two members of the same family are able to achieve this feat.

This story begins back in September of 2007, as 5 year old Kara Kilroy confidently entered the gym at Dedham`s ECEC. While many of her peers were terrified at the thought of "leaving home", Kara (with brother Corey Kilroy two years ahead of her) had been eagerly awaiting this day.

As the days turned in to weeks, the weeks turned in to months, and the months turned in to school years (180 days) both Kara and Corey found themselves with the distinct honor of having accomplished "perfect attendance".

There was a presentation in the elementary school gym at the end of 5th grade (900 consecutive days of school) and another leaving middle school in grade 8 (1440 days). This year Kara enters her senior year at Dedham High School having completed 2,160 consecutive days in school.

While many schools pull out all the stops to recognize this accomplishment - showing other students the importance of being in school - other systems put more focus on the "quality" of a student`s work rather than the "quantity" of time spent in their seat. Both Kara and Corey realized this and the pair have always set a very high bar for themselves.

Corey graduated from Dedham High School (class of 2018) completing his perfect attendance (2,340 days of school) and is currently attending Merrimack College as an Honors student majoring in the sciences while continuing to play sports.

Not to be outdone by her older brother, over the past few years at DHS Kara has developed in to an incredible young lady herself. She has served as class president for two years, been selected to the National Honor Society, played lacrosse and soccer, worked as a mentor/student teacher helping younger students, is an active member of many DHS clubs, tutors after school and her volunteer work around Town (well over 250 hours) has brought praise and thanks from all involved.

Our Congratulations and Best Wishes go out to Kara Kilroy as she begins her senior year here at Dedham High School and continues to strive towards her quest - not only completing perfect attendance and applying to college - but in proving to younger students that your hard work and dedication does indeed pay off...