Michelle Dellinger

Henderson Bay High School senior overcomes life roadblocks to successfully graduate on time

Michelle Dellinger is beating the odds to graduate this year, even though she didn’t have enough credits until her senior year.

A mother to a young daughter, Dellinger said she was determined to finish high school on time so she didn’t let her daughter down.

“Some told me I wouldn’t be able to, while others told me it was going to be hard,” she said. “Hard was the key word for me. ... It feels good to prove to everyone that I could reach my goals.”

Dellinger said she headed in a bad direction as a sophomore, struggling both as a student and an individual. When she learned she was pregnant, she decided to focus on her academics.

“I had to make up a lot of work, and I didn’t let anything get in my way,” she said.

Dellinger took extra classes and did additional work at home. She said it took a lot of discipline, as well as the support of her friends and family, in order to succeed.

She said earning her high school diploma is her highest achievement, but she doesn’t plan to stop there. Dellinger hopes to study nursing in college and has a goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse.

“Ever since I’ve had my daughter, I’ve had a passion for babies,” she said.

Dellinger has demonstrated leadership in her senior year at Henderson Bay. She initiated a blood drive at school, and about 25 people donated blood. The successful event prompted her to organize a second drive at the school. She worked with Cascade Regional Blood Services to plan the event, then she recruited volunteers and donors.

Dellinger is well-liked by her peers and teachers, and she can frequently be seen with a smile on her face. Her teacher say she finds a way to diligently handle the multiple responsibilities that come with being a mother and a student.

“She is mature beyond her years, and her example is a wonderful message to many of the other students who have a harder time with their responsibilities,” said Henderson Bay teacher Peter Liljengren.

Dellinger said she wants to be an inspiration to others who may be facing difficulties in high school.

“Just because you have adversity, you can’t let that get in your way and let it be a roadblock,” she said.

Michelle Dellinger

Education: Senior, Henderson Bay High School

Parents: Linda and Jeff Dellinger

Activities/achievements: Leadership class; American Sign Language; coordinated blood drives at school; math award; Progress & Parenting award; student of the month.

Favorite teacher: Mr. Becker, because “he made class fun while also teaching me a great deal of information, not to mention his great sense of humor,” Dellinger said.

Best thing about high school: “They give you the opportunity to graduate and help you in ways other high schools might not be able to,” she said.