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Cary student graduates with perfect attendance, takes additional hours as essential front-line worker

Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many student's senior years, 17-year-old Eboni Hayes managed to maintain her perfect attendance--never missing a day of school from kindergarten onward--while also taking on additional hours as a front-line essential worker.

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Eboni S. Hayes, a 17-year-old senior at Cary High, graduated with perfect attendance from kindergarten through 12th grade.
By
Heather Leah
, WRAL multiplatform producer
CARY, N.C. — The Class of 2020 had their senior year disrupted by a pandemic, interrupting life milestones like prom and graduation. However, one 17-year-old graduating from Cary High School hasn't let the pandemic slow her down. She's maintained a job as a front-line essential worker, while also maintaining perfect attendance.

From her first day of kindergarten, Eboni Simone Hayes has never missed a day of school.

Eboni S. Hayes, a 17-year-old senior at Cary High School, is an overachiever in many ways, and one of her most stellar accomplishments is the distinction of having attained perfect attendance from kindergarten through 12th grade.
"Like countless seniors across the nation and the world, she has missed out on traditional celebrations due to the Coronavirus pandemic," said Trice Hayes, her mother.

Even as COVID-19 shook up her daily life, she maintained a commitment to her school work and to her essential role as an employee at Food Lion.

"She has taken on increased hours since March," said her mom. "Each day she dons her mask and gloves to prepare for work."

“I love school, and I’m committed to my education,” said Hayes.

Hayes said she set her alarm for 5:30 a.m. every day to prepare for a long day of school and activities, often not getting back home for more than 12 hours.

Aside from working as an essential front-line worker, she also marched in the Cary High School Marching Band, completed homework for Honors and AP classes, served as Youth Liaison at Mt. Zion Church and took part in several other extracurricular activities.

Eboni S. Hayes, a 17-year-old senior at Cary High, graduated with perfect attendance from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Nolan Bryant, principal at Cary High School, said the perfect attendance is an “impressive accomplishment made by Eboni."

Hayes is looking forward to officially graduating on June 10.

After staying dedicated to school and work, even when shaken up by the pandemic, Hayes is looking forward to attending Winston-Salem State University this fall where, one imagines, she will maintain her perfect attendance.

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