STATE OF OPPORTUNITY. Can Kids in Michigan Get Ahead?
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This special reporting project wrapped up in May 2017. Read more.
Stockbridge is a village similar to many places around the state. The economy is tough, industry has gone, and the school system is one of few ways kids from the town can get a leg up. This is an inside look into this small town school district trying to make sure their kids have educational opportunity, even in the face of shrinking state aid and a tough economy. In addition to Sarah's reports, the Stockbridge project has moving and interesting radio stories, audio diaries, and photography from youth journalists at Stockbridge High School.

Stockbridge Youth Journalists: way of life vanishing for farm kids?

Kayla Gallup, a senior at Stockbridge High School, has a lot of work to do on the farm before and after school. She has to wake up at 5:45 every morning to go out and feed the animals.

Gallup thinks that technology now keeps a majority of kids from getting outdoors.

"Nowadays kids will now just sit inside and play video games and watch T.V," says Gallup.

Gallup would rather be outside with her animals and playing on her four-wheeler during her free time. She admits because she's on the go so much she doesn't really know how to just “relax." She says she was raised to be a hard worker and not to just sit around.

Gallup is involved in National Honor Society and varsity soccer at Stockbridge High School. She also works three days a week at Silver Maples Retirement of Chelsea and competes in barrel racing events with her horses. She makes time to do her school work and keep her grades up. She hopes to attend Michigan State University and study animal sciences.

Long-term, Gallup plans on starting a family and finding a home in the country where she can have a livestock farm. "I'll always live in the country," she says, confidently.

Listen to part of Reaghan and Kayla's interview.