History. Expectations. Perceptions. They can lift kids up. And, too often, they can sink kids' hopes. 

But, every once in a while, a kid comes along and listens to his own heart – and his mom. Joey Nelson was one of those kids.

He graduated from Lyle High School as valedictorian in 2007.

Today, the Yakama Tribal member is a Medical Doctor in residency at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The Columbia Gorge News shared his story in the June 23, 2021 issue.

You can read more about his experience as a small-town student finding his way through college and eventually into medical school on our Graduate Profiles page on our website.  

We're looking for more Lyle graduates to profile. Please email deb.stenberg@lyleschools.org with your suggestion. Make sure to include contact information!