Kyle Oneppo, 18, graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School, never having missed a day of school in 13 years of education.
In not only Rhode Island but across the country, to find a student that …
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Kyle Oneppo, 18, graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School, never having missed a day of school in 13 years of education.
In not only Rhode Island but across the country, to find a student that has missed not a single day is nearly unheard of. Between illness, vacations and ditching, most students have missed at least a few days between kindergarten and graduation from 12th grade.
Initially Oneppo’s perfect attendance was by coincidence. In middle school Oneppo became aware of the fact that he had yet to miss a single day of school. Never having heard of anyone who had perfect attendance in school, Oneppo thought it would be cool to do it himself. With eight years of perfect attendance, what would be a few more, he might as well finish it off.
Luckily, Oneppo said, although he had colds throughout the years, he honestly was never so sick as to skip a day of school.
Oneppo’s appreciation and dedication to attendance stems from his family, who own Warwick Tree Service. The new graduate worked for his family’s company after school, on weekends and during vacations. His parents stressed that school was a career for youth; they were expected to go just as employees are expected to go to work. Missing or skipping a day of school could make someone develop bad habits for the workplace.
“I mean, you are supposed to have 180 days of school, that’s just how it is. This is what is expected of you. I never saw school as something you should miss out on,” Oneppo said.
His friends at Hendricken would often joke with Oneppo, seeing what it would take to make him skip just one day, but even on senior skip day, he showed up for class.
He is excited to have achieved his personal goal of perfect attendance, but admitted he doesn’t feel different for it.
Oneppo will be attending Johnson & Wales in the fall to study business. He plans on joining the family business after college.
Oneppo said, “Every time I thought about taking a day off I thought about how in the real world you don’t get to do that. Work is year round, you don’t get vacations and summer off. I didn’t want to get into that mentality.
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richardcorrente
Congratulations Kyle Oneppo. That level of "relentless persistence" will serve you well in the business world. I would hire someone with your drive before anyone else. You are the type of person that gets the job done.
Again, congratulations!
Richard Corrente
Democrat for Mayor
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 Report this
Kammy
I am very impressed by this young man and congratulate his parents on setting a high example of commitment. I have used Warwick Tree Service over the years and I have recommended them to my family and friends. Well done Kyle and the Oneppo Family!
Thursday, June 23, 2016 Report this