The Bad Kids

In a secluded area of the Mojave Desert, surrounded by dusty tumbleweeds and spindly Joshua Trees, lies an unusual high school. Here, the educators are convinced that empathy, essential life skills, and the unwavering presence of a supportive adult are crucial for empowering at-risk students to take control of their futures. Every morning, principal Vonda Viland reaches out to students at the break of dawn to check if they plan to attend school. If transportation is an issue, she personally ensures they get there. Vonda is deeply aware of each student’s struggles and guides them with relentless dedication, always balancing hope with realism. Her approach, which blends heartfelt compassion with practicality, appears to be effective, as evidenced by the school’s improving graduation rates.