·        From illiterate to valedictorian in five years

·        Ali Cardaropoli's learning disabilities five years ago kept her from reading her own birthday cards, but in May she will graduate as valedictorian of her Texas school with experience not only acting in school plays, but writing one of her own. "She doesn't quit," said English teacher Jennifer Allen. "... I've never had a student like her." The Dallas Morning News (3/23)