Extreme heat warning in effect through Sunday

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Diamond Syas found herself homeless and largely alone during last school year. It would have been easy to become another Minnesota dropout statistic. But she didn't quit.
 
 


The sweet payoff for that struggle came last Thursday when Diamond, a senior at Bloomington Kennedy High School, took the stage at Mariucci Arena, accepted her diploma and put her college plans back on track.

profiled Diamond and the challenges she faced

 as a homeless teen in the Twin Cities. Her parents weren't in the picture and the burden of working jobs to make needed money and still keep up with school was overwhelming.
 
 


 
She said she shared her story because she wanted to inspire other kids struggling in school.
 
 


"Don't be scared to ask for help at all, not just from teachers, [but] from anybody who you feel like you can trust," she said. "I did it, I know you can. I don't want to hear nobody say they can't, because I'll hop on them and say, 'Yes, you can!'"

Diamond was one of 45 students at Bloomington Kennedy High School who were categorized as homeless. 

The school's Random Acts of Kindness fund has helped students like Diamond get over financial barriers that might hinder school achievement. Call 952-681-5003 or 

 if you'd like to contribute. Checks should be made out to ISD 271.

A supporter also helped Diamond set up a 

Correction (June 8, 2016): An earlier version of this story misspelled Shaun Syas' name in a photo caption.

Gallery

Education News

Social Issues

Photos

Photo Galleries

Shows

All Things Considered

NewsPartners

Laura Yuen

Author

Diamond Syas, a senior at Bloomington Kennedy High School, found herself homeless and largely alone during last school year. But she didn't quit and her college plans are back on track.

Homeless teen beats odds, graduates high school

Evan Frost | MPR News

Diamond Syas fixes her tassel before commencement.

Diamond Syaz takes a selfie before commencement. 

Diamond Syaz walks to her seat at commencement.

Diamond Syas crosses the stage for her diploma. 

Kennedy graduates toss their caps into the air. 

Diamond Syaz catches up with a former teacher. 

Homeless teen beats odds, graduates high school

Go Deeper.

Like this?