EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – Jake Smith received a rare honor upon graduating May 13 from Excelsior Springs High School. Second grade was when Smith learned he had held perfect attendance since kindergarten. He said he made a flawless attendance record his goal. He went 2,600 days without ever missing school, taking a single sick day or skipping one of his classes. “I’m always there. I’m always on time,” Smith said. The Excelsior Springs School District, impressed with Smith’s dedication to wanting to not miss school, called the accomplishment “unheard of.” Smith received the Perfect Attendance Award. Smith admitted he needed an “education vacation” and will travel this summer....