Subscriber Exclusive: Z-M senior finds success despite struggles

ZUMBROTA -- Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School senior Tony Vodovnik has experienced many struggles, yet he has beaten the odds, and staff say they expect to see great things from this young man.

"Over the past four years I have had the opportunity to get to know Tony, I've always admired the fact that he displays a positive attitude," Principal Erick Enger said. "Through his dedication and hard work, he has developed a solid academic foundation. I am confident he will achieve his goals."

When Vodovnik was 3 years old he stuck a thermometer in his ear and punctured his eardrum. The injury made it hard for Tony to hear. He developed trouble with his speech and was placed in a special class. But when he was in second grade, doctors inserted a tube to cover the hole and he was soon moved to gifted-and-talented classes.

Hearing problems were only one of Vodovnik's trials.

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