Richland student prepares for trip to Washington DC
Saveta Lomax
A high school senior from Richland is preparing to represent Washington state at a national education summit in Washington DC.
But the road to the nation's capital for Saveta Lomax has not been easy.
The summit is all about discussing ways to keep kids in high school and lower the drop-out rate.
Some of the nation's heavy hitters, like Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and former Secretary of State Colin Powell will be there, and so will Saveta Lomax.
Two years ago, while facing some personal problems that were tough to keep outside the classroom, 19 year-old Saveta Lomax wanted to drop out of high school.
"I was really just done with school. I felt like there wasn't anything in the future" said Lomax.
But after some positive mentoring from teachers, the River's Edge High School senior is back on track to graduate.
And next month, she's representing Washington state during a national education summit in Washington DC.
"My goal when I go up there, is to just get information of how we can improve our school systems here, the public schools and the alternative schools, and introduce them to our community"
Lomax will attend several workshops during the trip, to learn how the country is trying to lower high school drop out rates, and motivate students to get better grades.
Her teachers say Lomax's trip isn't just a victory for her - but it shows other students that they can overcome obstacles and be successful.
"It's amazing. I think it just goes to show that we've got students who, in all districts, are capable. And this was really an opportunity that sort of came up by chance, and a student took that chance" said Brian Sites, teacher.
Lomax says most of all, she wants to help others who may be in the same position she was in a couple years ago.
She says she wants everyone to understand the true value of basic education.
"I want to give back because it is so important to have that high school education. And for what I want to do in the future, it's mandatory. I have to have it" said Lomax.
Lomax applied for the all-expenses paid trip by writing an essay.
One student from each state will attend the summit.
She leaves next month.
Afer high school, Lomax wants to study and someday get a masters degree in criminal psychology.