She’s perfect: Warren Central grad has never missed a day of school|[06/01/08]

Published 12:00 am Friday, May 30, 2008

Felicia Loving has a perfect record – for attendance, that is.

The Warren Central High School graduate hasn’t missed a day of school since kindergarten. That means she has spent 2,340 days going to classes. With 180 days per school year over 13 years, that would be like sitting in class every day for 6.41 years.

“It was sort of a goal, but my parents made me go, also,” said Felicia, the 18-year-old daughter of James and Carla Loving. “My mom kept telling me, ‘Just pull through.’ It was worth it.”

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Felicia was honored at Warren Central High School’s graduation last Saturday for 13 years of perfect attendance.

“That’s a fantastic record, and we’re thrilled about it,” said Superintendent Dr. James Price.

“It was sort of a goal, but my parents made me go, also. My mom kept telling me, ‘Just pull through.’ It was worth it.”FELICIA LOVINGFelicia attended Grove Street Elementary, Bowmar Avenue Elementary, Warren Central Intermediate and Warren Central Junior High before finishing her high school education at Warren Central.

She never fell prey to typical childhood illnesses such as chicken pox or the flu. She once had strep throat in sixth grade, but it was a mild case and she only missed an afternoon.

Felicia’s mother was inspired by an article about a man who had perfect school attendance. She wanted to see if it could be done.

“It really wasn’t hard, but some days were rough,” Carla Loving said.

Felicia agreed. Some days, it was hard to get out of bed. The days she could take for college visits and field trips were especially exciting because they offered her a brief respite.

“I think it shows that I’m punctual, I’m always there for everything and that I’ve got good character,” Felicia said.

As for being there and being on time, Felicia won’t stop when she starts school in the fall at the University of Southern Mississippi.

“I probably will still attend all my classes every day. I’m used to it now – it’s a habit.”

Click here to view theGraduation 2008 edition