Homeless student to graduate as valedictorian

[UrbScotty]

Griffin Furlong overcame a lot of obstacles to become the valedictorian at a Jacksonville, Florida, high school. As he studied for finals and AP tests, he found himself homeless - again.

"At some point I wanted to quit. It was horrible. A kid should not have to go through that," Furlong said. He spent two years in a homeless shelter in Louisville, Kentucky, before his family moved to Jacksonville. Furlong said his father and brother often had to rely on family for help. His mother died of leukemia when he was just 6 years old.

While studying for high school finals and AP tests, he was once again without a home. Furlong, 18, stayed with his aunt and uncle and his girlfriend's family. Despite all this, he will graduate with a 4.65 GPA on June 4 as valedictorian of his class.

"Positive mindset. I try to accomplish everything I need to do. I know that I have everything to lose. So I just push myself. School is all I have, family is all I have. I am doing it all for me and what I have been through. I am doing it for my mom," Furlong said.

http://abc7chicago.com/uncategorized/homeless-student-graduates-valedictorian/80092/