TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Two Mesquite Elementary School students were recognized Monday morning by their principal for never missing a day of school.
In Arizona, a student is considered chronically absent if they’ve missed 18 days of school. It’s an issue that continues to rise across the nation, but these two dedicated students from Mesquite in the Vail District have proven that showing up everyday matters.
“Come on up to the front office," Principal Diane Vargo exclaimed as she called the students up.
Third-grader Holly and fourth-grader Jonah won this quarter's reward for perfect attendance.
“We’re leaving school to go buy the bike right now," said Principal Vargo moments after Holly and Jonah walked through the doors.
Mesquite students who have never missed class are placed in a drawing to win a reward for their dedication every quarter.
I asked the winners what motivates them to show up on time every day.
“Lunch," Holly exclaimed.
“I think advanced math," Jonah expressed.
Data from Vail Unified School District shows that 23% of students were chronically absent in 2022.
Principal Vargo says they’ve seen the national effects of absenteeism hit Tucson and are working to change that at her school.
“We just wanted to find ways to show students and our parents and our community just how important it is for them to be in school," Principal Vargo said.
Both Holly and Jonah say they're excited to ride their bikes and will continue encouraging their friends to not miss a day.
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Jacqueline Aguilar is a multimedia journalist at KGUN 9. Born and raised in Yuma, AZ., she is no stranger to the unforgiving Arizona heat. Now this U of A wildcat is excited to be back in Tucson and is looking forward to involving herself in the community. Share your story ideas with Jacqueline by emailing jacqueline.aguilar@kgun9.com or connecting on Facebook, Instagram or X.
