Sandburg High School '23 Grad Tallies 12 Years Of Perfect Attendance

ORLAND PARK, IL — A Carl Sandburg High School graduate notched a special achievement as he grabbed his diploma earlier this month.

He might have gone home sick on Valentine's Day as a kindergartener, but Evan Vossos notched a total of 12 years of perfect attendance. Even when he caught COVID-19—on his birthday, even—he seemed to "time" it just right—heading into winter break 2021.

Vossos was in fourth grade in Orland District 135, when he realized how long he'd gone without missing a day, and decided he would strive to keep his attendance record perfect. Even still, he said, the effort "felt natural" to him.

"I feel like it felt natural to me," he told Patch. "It didn't feel like a task. I never thought, 'UGH, school.' It always felt like it fell into line."

Vossos seemed shy about the white cord he had draped around his neck at graduation, in recognition of his feat. He was modest as his mother ticked off his other accomplishments: memberships in the National Honor Society, Math and Spanish honor societies, and a total of 200 community service hours.

He graduated with honors, too, and also attended Greek school every Saturday for eight years, time spent studying the Greek language, customs and religion. As a result, he is fluent in English, Greek and Spanish. He received the Spanish Biliteracy Seal, his mother Dimitra said.

Dimitra easily gushes about her son—though like a typical teen, he's embarrassed by it.

"I’m really proud of him," Dimitra said. "He's determined, he always has had a good zest and desire to learn."

Vossos also has a brother with special needs, a piece of his family life that has guided him elsewhere. He's compassionate and caring toward individuals with special needs, she said. He has dedicated time to volunteering with the Special Olympics and the Friendship Connection, the school's group aimed at enhancing the lives of students with special needs by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships. He has worked with players in the Tinley Park Challengers, a baseball league for young athletes with developmental disabilities.

"He's a good kid," Dimitra said. "He has a good heart, and loves helping people."

Vossos said there were fleeting moments where it was tough to keep his eye on the perfect attendance prize. His mom recalled him feeling a twinge of jealousy when the Cubs won the World Series, and some parents pulled their kids from school to witness the celebration.

"He did give up quite a lot," she said. "When the Cubs had their parade, he went to school instead. He's had to deal with having a brother who has significant special needs, which affects his brother, and the whole family.

"We’ve always managed to have the kids go to school despite all our other issues. ... We don't take vacations during school years."

Dimitra makes sure she doesn't send her kids to school sick, either, she said—but Vossos, in particular, seems to have a remarkable immune system.

And a strong resolve to pull the whole thing off.

"Once it was already in motion, I had to finish it," Vossos told Patch.

He's now off to Indiana University, where he's been accepted into the Kelley School of Business.

"I'd like to not hate my job, but be able to not worry about money," he told Patch.

His intention is to become an accountant, though he's leaving room for indecision and exploration.

Graduation was bittersweet, he said, and the public recognition of his acceptance record surprised many.

He'll try to keep it up throughout college, he said.