If education is a journey, recent graduate Taylor Walton knew from the beginning she wanted to enjoy each step. So, more than 12 years ago, Walton vowed to herself she’d have perfect attendance.
Last week, Walton’s accomplishment – never missing a day of school from kindergarten through 12th grade – was recognized when she and others walked across the stage at Danville High School’s commencement ceremonies.
Walton, the daughter of Derrell and Debbie Walton, was presented with a plaque in honor of her achievement, which came from a plan she had as a small child.
“Ever since I started school, I knew I wanted to try to go without missing a day,” she said. “My parents didn’t have to make me do it. I did it on my own. I wanted to go to school.”
Her commitment meant she went to school on days when she felt like staying home. It also meant she went to school on the traditional Senior Skip Day.
“There were only a couple of us at school that day,” she said.
As for her classmates, Walton said they thought she was crazy for attempting such a feat. And it is a rare one.
Only three or four county students are believed to have achieved the goal in recent years.
As for Walton, she’s not slowing down now that she’s achieved her goal of perfect attendance. She’s headed out for an end-of-school-year cruise to Cozumel and then back to Montgomery where she’s participating in an FFA convention.
When she’s done there, she’s leaving for church youth camp.
After a brief summer, Walton is headed to Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham. After two years there, she said she’d like to go to Auburn University to study to be a veternarian.
And will she keep her tradition of perfect attendance in college, the home of late nights and sleeping in?
“I’m going to try,” she said with a laugh.