Schools

Pioneer Press: From Homelessness to College via Richfield High School

Rika Shabazz will attend prestigious Williams College, St. Paul Pioneer Press columnist Reuben Rosario reported.

St. Paul Pioneer Press columnist Reuben Rosario profiles Richfield High School senior Rika Shabazz: 

Some kids excel regardless of the obstacles and hardships thrown at them. Rika Shabazz, formerly of St. Paul and currently of Richfield, is one of them.

Shabazz, 18, her divorced mother and four younger siblings haven't had a permanent roof over their heads in eight years. ... When she graduates Monday from Richfield High School, she will be the first person in her family to go to a four-year college. ... 

"If there is one thing I would scream out to kids, it's something both my mom and dad drilled in me," Shabazz said this week. "They said that every day you have two choices—discipline or regret."

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