Boardman graduate overcomes adversity to succeed; 382 receive diplomas

Boardman graduate overcomes adversity to succeed; 382 receive diplomas

By AMANDA C. DAVIS

news@vindy.com

BOARDMAN – The road to here and now has been anything but smooth for graduating senior Victoria Moore. Illness and injury have marked each of her years since eighth grade – hurdles that only fueled her determination to achieve.

Moore, 18, was born with pectus excavatum, a birth defect causing abnormal development of the rib cage. This causes the sternum to cave, sometimes leading to shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue – symptoms not exactly compatible with competitive sports.

Yet the senior, who graduated from Boardman Sunday, has big plans to further her running and academic careers. Later this month, she will travel to North Carolina to compete in the New Balance Nationals, part of the 4x800 meter relay team.

She will then have a nerve block to deal with ongoing pain, take a month off to rest and attend YSU in the fall to study early childhood education and continue running.

She is the daughter of the Rev. Mr. Jonathan and Paulette Moore and has three siblings who were all state competitors in track – something she said kept her going despite challenges.

She was one of 382 Boardman High School seniors who received diplomas Sunday at graduation ceremonies at the high school.

Read the full story with more profiles of other graduates and photos Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.