Williamsburg brothers on quest to maintain perfect attendance

13 years of school and they have never missed a day of school. That is what two brothers from Williamsburg can boast.

Brothers Ryan and James Haus have not missed a day of school in 13 years at Williamsburg Independent Schools. Ryan graduated in 2016. James will graduate in 2020.

Ryan, 20, and his younger brother, James, 16, never missed a day of school from Kindergarten to high school.

Ryan graduated in 2016 with perfect attendance and James is entering the 11th grade.

Ryan is starting his third year at Centre College pursuing a degree in economics and finance.

Ryan said that like other students, he often wanted to miss school, but joined activities that would allow him to have excused days off. He was a member of the choir, which allowed him the opportunity to travel during school.

He has continued to attend his college courses faithfully, though he does admit that because some professor allow a certain number of excused absences without penalizing a students grade, he has taken advantage of those opportunities.

“It’s nothing glorious except I went to school everyday,” said Ryan about his accomplishment.

Although James still has two years left in high school, he aims to continue the streak. School is a commitment, James said. “I’ve already worked this hard and I don’t want to lose that (perfect attendance).”

James has managed to accomplish such a feat thus far because it is a habit, he said. It has benefited him in such ways as always getting the content presented in class and being available to take advantage of activities offered by the school.

He says his future is blurry, but for now he wants to attend the University of the Cumberlands to pursue a degree in business.

The brothers’ father, Richard Haus, said “Early on we set the goal of perfect attendance.”

The long-term goal was accomplished setting smaller goals like perfect attendance each year, said Richard.

The Richard, Ryan and James all credit luck when it comes to being healthy and not missing for illness.