ORANGE

Heralded by a teacher as “one of the greatest success stories in the history of the Orange Unified School District,” Richland Continuation High School graduating senior Heather Tucker was honored recently by trustees with a $500 scholarship from the California Assn. of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance.

Once on the verge of dropping out of school, Tucker, 19, received all A’s and Bs during her four years at Richland while also working to support her 3-year-old daughter, Felicity. Board member Maureen Aschoff said Tucker had shown great perseverance and courage.

Tucker said she plans to continue her education in hopes of becoming an attorney. There were 11 continuation school students nominated for the award throughout Southern California. Three students received top recognition.