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CLEAR Temp: 71 °F Wind: W at 3 mph Sunday, June 8, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend June 6, 2003 Karli Marron will graduate as an honors student at North Medford High School Saturday, nearly two years after discovering she was pregnant with son Carter, now 13 months. One teacher described Marron as �focused and incredibly self-directed.� Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Big strides, baby steps North Medford grad’s determination allows her to handle what life has delivered By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune As a straight-A student and a cheerleader, Karli Marron seemed to havethe world by its tail when she was 16 years old. But the Central Point teen’s universe was unexpectedly turned upside down in the summer of 2001 by an unplanned pregnancy. "It never occurred to me to give up," said Karli, now 18. "I just knew that if I didn’t have a good education I couldn’t be a good mom." Determined to graduate, Karli transferred to North Medford High School and enrolled in the Teen Parent Program, where her child could receive day care while she earned a diploma. Advertisement Although she was pregnant and only a junior, Karli doubled her workload and completed nearly all her senior requirements — a decision that allowed her to earn 20 college credits during her senior year. She took six weeks off for the birth of her son, Carter, and returned ahead of the game with help from a home tutor. On Saturday, Karli will realize the first of many goals by walking down the aisle to receive her high school diploma as her family and 13-month-old child look on. "So many kids would have just thrown in the towel at that point, but not Karli," said father Jim Marron. "I think her accomplishments speak for themselves." "She worked very, very hard. There were so many late nights," added Pam Norris, Karli’s mother. "I’m really proud of her. What she did just blows me away." Marron is graduating from North Medford with honors and is ranked seventh in her class. A single B lowered her grade-point average to 3.99, knocking her out of the running for class valedictorian. "She is a magnificent child," said North Medford High School English teacher Rhonda Lee. "She’s bright, she’s articulate, she’s focused and she’s incredibly self-directed. ... Karli Marron is one of the reasons that teachers teach school." "It’s obvious that she has a certain spark," added counselor and activities director Ralph Burrelle. "I think there’s great things in store for her." When September rolls around, Karli will resume her education as a full-time student at Southern Oregon University. She’s majoring in chemistry and hopes to earn a minor in either criminology or Spanish. Karli is interested in forensic science and hopes to someday work for an organization such as Oregon State Police. Her work in high school has paid off in the form of three scholarships, which should cover nearly all her tuition next year at SOU. They include the Ford Foundation Opportunity Scholarship through the Oregon Student Assistance Commission, SOU’s Laurels Scholarship and a scholarship from the Medford Police Association. "I’m very relieved to be through with highschool and moving onto the future," said Karli, who credits much of her success in high school to teachers, advisers and counselors. "They were just wonderful. I don’t know what I would have done without them." When summer ends, Karli will leave her parents’ home and move into SOU’s family housing development with Carter, who will be enrolled in the university day-care program. "A lot of people in family housing are single parents in the same situation as me, so we can totally relate," she said. "I think college will just be full of opportunities. I can’t wait." Although Karli’s former teachers are thrilled by her success, they agree it will be hard to see the hard-working teen leave high school behind. "Karli broke the mold for teenagers that end up pregnant in high school," said Lee. "She never compromised herself. She maintained her own sense of respect. I miss her already." Jackson County high school graduation schedules Ashland High School — Today at 7 p.m. at Lithia Park bandshell. Butte Falls High School — Today at 7 p.m. at the high school gym. Central Point High School — Took place June 4. Eagle Point High School — Today at 7:30 p.m. at the Eagle Point High School stadium. North Medford High School — Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the high school gym. Phoenix High School — Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Lithia Park bandshell. Prospect High School — Ceremonies held May 30. South Medford High School — Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the high school gym. Rogue River High School — Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the high school stadium. Reach reporter Jill Briskeyat 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times