What started out as a family bet between three cousins turned into 13 years of near-perfect attendance for one Hillsborough High School senior.
Brandon White plans to receive his high school diploma on June 18 on the turf of Hillsborough’s Noonan Field having missed only one full day of school during his kindergarten through 12th grade journey through the township public schools.
His single full-day absence occurred on Feb. 25, when he went to visit Columbia College Chicago, the school where he will spend his next four years.
The bet began when cousins Brandon White (of Hillsborough) and Atiya Najae Davis (of New York City) saw how proud their entire extended family was of their oldest cousin, Quinnell James Williams (also of New York City), for achieving a perfect attendance record in his first year of school.
The three cousins all agreed that each of them would try to achieve perfect attendance every year. Not only did the contest keep all three students focused on the importance of school but it also gave achievers bragging rights for the year.
Come September, White will attend Columbia College Chicago to study cinematic science with a focus in cinematography and screenwriting.
“I hope to continue my perfect attendance throughout my college journey,” said Brandon. “I am happy that I am used to the snowy winter weather; however, walking in the bitter Chicago wind may be a challenge.”
According to Carolyn (CeeJay), Brandon’s mother, “The contest really instilled in each of the cousins the idea that effort, persistence and determination pay off.”
The lesson became evident in Brandon’s sophomore year when he was struggling in geometry class. He woke up early every day to come in and meet with his teacher and went for weekly outside help.
“It was my work ethic and my determination that helped me pass geometry that year,” he said. “It is that same determination that gets me up in the morning and to school every day.”
The other cousins are continuing their studies as well. Quinnell is attending SUNY Cobleskill for graphic design technology and Atiya is attending Hostos Community College (in the Bronx) for nursing.
