Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Jackson County approves $339 million budget ... Hunting trophies could get price tags ... Oregon races to finalize rules for marijuana, issue licenses ... Jackson County approves $339 million budget ... Hunting trophies could get price tags ... Oregon races to finalize rules for marijuana, issue licenses ... A GRADUATE'S JOURNEY Phoenix High senior faced adversity with a smile David Spliethof will study at UO after graduation Comment By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 7, 2016 at 5:06 PM By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 7, 2016 at 5:06 PM » Social News David Spliethof’s smile is well known at Phoenix High School. The senior, who will graduate with his classmates Saturday, consistently served as a leader and had a positive attitude despite trying circumstances during his time at the school. For most of his junior year, Spliethof lived in a motel room in Talent when his family couldn’t afford other housing. They now live in a mobile home park on Fern Valley Road. “I shared the motel room with my six other family members. There wasn’t really any specific area for anyone, so I learned to do my homework before school got out,” said Spliethof. “He’s the kind of kid who always has a smile on his face. You’d never know he has been through as much stuff as he has,” said Jacob Schauffler, who teaches weight training and coached Spliethof in football. “He has a good work ethic. He shows up for every meeting and is a leader by example.” Spliethof’s good attitude extended to the classroom. “As a senior in Spanish 2, he brings a level of dedication and maturity that is occasionally lacking from his younger classmates,” said teacher Tesla Wright. “David consistently does excellent work, but he also works wonderfully in any group. He is kind, generous and always has a smile on his face.” People at the school have helped him regularly, said Spliethof. “The whole office staff has always been supportive. They have always helped me through tough times,” said Spliethof. “They just helped me to keep up my attitude for the day. They were always there for mental support.” Spliethof also credits Kode Hall and Nate Walker, who befriended him after he moved from Eagle Point to Phoenix in the middle of his sophomore year. “They just helped really bring me out and not really go into a little cave of depression,” said Spliethof. “What impresses me about David is his spark and how driven he is, his motivation,” said Walker, who was a teammate in football and baseball. “He’s a happy person and his personality is great.” Spliethof played football and baseball all four years in high school and was on the swim team the last two. “The teachers around here are very friendly. If they see a kid who has a problem, they are always very supportive,” said Spliethof. “They are really interested in helping kids get through high school with fewer problems than they came into high school with.” For a senior project, Spliethof set up the school's first bottle and can recycling program. Spliethof’s mentor on the project, head custodian Bill Evans, told him the school’s waste output has been cut nearly in half with the effort. The school’s leadership class has since taken over the recycling, which serves as a fundraiser for student projects. Spliethof has received a Pathways Oregon grant that will pay tuition and fees for four years at the University of Oregon and provide support to reach graduation. He will have to cover his living and personal expenses. The senior applied for financial aid and has been awarded a Pell grant. He also received an award of $500 from the League of Women Voters and has applied for summer jobs. Spliethof plans to pursue a degree in psychology with a minor in criminology. He is currently enrolled in an honors psychology class and hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement. “It boils down to the individual student and how they respond to what has been given to them," said Principal Jani Hale. "Some respond with resentment, anger and denial. (David’s) response has been gratitude; being receptive to the smiles and support he has been given.” Tony Boom is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 7, 2016 at 5:06 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501