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OREM -- Here's a success story: A student who graduated valedictorian from college will graduate from high school Friday. It sounds backwards, but she did it with a consistent focus on one thing.
"Here I stand, just barely 18, given the daunting task of speaking at my college graduation," says Utah Valley University graduate Stina Nyhus.
Nyhus gave her valedictorian address before she even had a high school diploma. Impressive, but not surprising when you hear her recount the memories
"There's me sitting in the corner, with Governor Leavitt reading a book to us," she said, describing a photograph.
That was first grade. By second grade, Nyhus says reading was a big part of her life.
"My mom read to me constantly," she says. "Then when I got old enough, she would make me read to my sisters."
By third grade, Nyhus devoured the entire Harry Potter series. By 4th grade, she was reading 12th-grade material.
She says she will never forget her favorite discovery: the library.
"I thought it was amazing," Nyhus says. "I could just go get any book I wanted, anytime I wanted."
Nyhus attends the Utah County Academy of Sciences, an Orem charter school that specializes in helping students get college courses in high school. That helped her get a degree and a diploma at the same time, but teachers credit reading for her success.
"I think Stina has learned when you read, it opens so many doors for you," says Principal Clark Baron.
To help other students reach their potential, our Read Today literacy campaign is about to issue a summer reading challenge. Stay tuned to get your kids involved.
E-mail: dwimmer@ksl.com
