This Detroit school has seen some tough times, but its students mean business: ‘I’ve got to set an example.’

Dylan Heard knows that he’s being watched — and that what he does matters.

“I’ve got to set an example because I’ve got little cousins and I’ve got a niece and they’re looking up to me,” said Heard, a junior at Detroit’s Mumford Academy.

Mumford students have not had an easy time of it. The school has seen years of turmoil. It was seized by the state in 2012 and placed in a state-run recovery district. It was returned to the main Detroit district in July after the recovery district dissolved. This year, it was threatened with closure by the state, then spared — at least for a while — by a deal the state cut with districts.

Just before school started this year, Chalkbeat spoke with five Mumford Academy students about their plans for the coming year and the things that are inspiring them to succeed.

Heard said his draws motivation from his father.

“He didn’t graduate high school,” Heard said. “(But) he believes I can be better. He always pushes me.”

If you have a story to tell about education in Detroit  — or know someone who does — please let us know. Chalkbeat has been featuring the stories of students, teachers, parents and others in our recurring Story Booth series.

Watch the video to see the full story from these Mumford Academy students here: