Sunday, June 06, 1999
'Mr. Perfect' was always there
Hamilton grad didn't miss a day
BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
HAMILTON — Jeremy Bowlin has a new nickname: Mr. Perfect. Perfect attendance, that is.
Hamilton High School Principal Tom Alf gave him the nickname. Jeremy is the only member of the Class of '99 who has never missed a day of school from kindergarten at Hayes Elementary School through graduation from Hamilton High.
“He hasn't missed even a minute of school,” Mr. Alf said. “He doesn't have any tardies, either. He's a guy who values school, who's focused and has perseverance — all the traits you'd want in an employee.”
But if you ask Jeremy if he came every day because he liked school so much, he sim ply says, “School is all right. I liked it a lot more once I got into the machine-trades program.”
His mother, Beverly Bowlin, tells it differently. She says Jeremy liked school more than he wants to admit.
“I'm as proud of him as I can be,” Mrs. Bowlin said. “I knew he'd make it because he's really dedicated. He wanted to go to school every morning.”
Both she and Jeremy retell the story of his one close call. It was last year and he was riding to school with a friend whose car broke down. Jeremy called his mother at work and asked her to come get him.
“I flew to get him,” Mrs. Bowlin recalls. “He did not want me to stop at any traffic lights or stop signs so he'd get there on time. We made it.”
Jeremy, 19, said he never had perfect attendance as a goal until his junior year.
“It just kind of happened,” said the Lindenwald resident. “A lot of times I felt a little sick, but I went to school anyway. There was no point in staying home alone. You've got to go so you might as well make the best of it.”
Now, that graduation is over, he admits, “It feels pretty good to know I didn't miss any. I hope it helps me to get a job as a machinist.”
Mr. Alf said he, his staff and longtime school board members cannot remember another senior who had perfect attendance all 13 years in the Hamilton City Schools.
For his accomplishment, Jeremy has received a trophy from Mr. Alf along with a plaque from the board of education.
“He's quite a kid,” Mr. Alf said.
This is Crosley Square . . . Signing off
New studios jump Channel 5 from past to future
Wanted: New doctor for cranky patient
Cincinnati opens wallets to GOP
Blackwell's latest foray under fire
Fountain murals cover plywood
Relative arrested in slaying
Smog alert declared for today, Monday
Study of dump a start
CAPITOL INSIDER
Cat lover stays calm
Disabilities are not disabling for Amish
GOP hopefuls hurl the hatchet
If van doesn't fit, jail plan takes a hit
Planet of the Pundits
'Melrose' fans bid, buy big
'Guitar junkie' Gill never planned for fame
The many views of John Twachtman
Artist strived for fresh vision
GET TO IT
Locals admire Torme's multiple talents
Playhouse plans to move on to next stage
Rock Hall to exhibit Linda McCartney photos
Akron 'has come a long way'
Boone grads could get boost
Bromley OKs fee, but lawsuit looms
Car crashes through wall, into apartment
CDT books top dancers, Tony winner
Cross-river neighbors make peace
D-Day: Bulletin by bulletin
Firefighters will install detectors
IRS: Late tax forms don't count
'Mr. Perfect' was always there
Special dancers will have a ball at convention center
TRISTATE DIGEST
Visitors find quality at fair
Working prisoners save money
