About this series

Grads Against the Odds is a four-part series profiling students who overcame significant challenges to graduate from high school. The students include:

Cara Graca, who overcame a methamphetamine addiction to graduate from North Medford High School and to encourage other students to stay off drugs.

Amanda Lown, who juggled pregnancy, motherhood and schoolwork to reach graduation this year from Crater High School.

Robert Nguyen, who weathered homelessness and his mother’s death to graduate on time this year from Rogue River High School.

Gideon Linsday, born with a learning disability caused by exposure to drugs in the womb, who found his power in helping others. He graduates this year as Ashland High School’s co-student-body president.

Photo Galleries

North vs Sunset

9 Photos

Reader Photos

Eagle Point Vintage Fair

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