Perfect attendance: Local senior never missed a day of school

Graduation events are in full swings at schools across the Ozarks, but one senior student in Houston, Missouri has another accomplishment worth celebrating.

Meet Ben Steelman. He just received his senior-year plaque for perfect attendance. It's the last one he'll get, but it's the final plaque in his collection of 12.

Steelman is finishing his academic career with perfect attendance. 13 years of perfect attendance to be exact, if you include preschool.

The senior has completed his entire schooling in the Houston School District.

When speaking with Ozarks First Bailey Strohl following his final day of school and graduation preparation, he credited his own will power for getting him to class on time every day.

But, he also credits luck to being able to keep his perfect attendance through his elementary, middle and high school years.

Steelman says he did get sick, but was lucky in that his illnesses always began and ended during school breaks like spring break and over the holidays.

Steelman graduates from Houston High School on Saturday.

He plans to attend Drury University in the fall where he will study bio chemistry.

Because his parents are both paramedics, he says he wants to go to medical school.

Steelman will also join the trap shooting team at Drury University. He frequently practiced and competed in the sport through Houston's FFA Chapter and the Texas County 4H Club.

He mentioned the support he received from his family and friends throughout the years.

Watch Bailey's full interview with Ben Steelman in the video above.