2 years ago, Rosemary Anderson’s Duke Mitchell was on the verge of washing out of high school. Look at him now

Rosemary Anderson High School student Duke Mitchell graduates

Duke Mitchell puts on his cap and gown before officially graduating from Rosemary Anderson High School. Ceremonies were held at Portland State University. June 8, 2024Beth Nakamura

Editor’s note: When The Oregonian/OregonLive wrote about Duke Mitchell in 2022 in our series, “The Safest Place,” he fell behind in credits at Rosemary Anderson High School in Rockwood, where he, his classmates and teachers worked to cope with the heavy toll of gun violence on the campus. Today is a different story.

Duke Mitchell sprang from his seat, a jolt of joy radiating through his lanky frame like an electrical current.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.