In the autumn of 1999, Chris Johnson and Cody Perkins begin attending an alternative high school for troubled teens in David, Kentucky.

In the autumn of 1999, Chris Johnson and Cody Perkins begin attending an alternative high school for troubled teens in David, Kentucky. Through his home life, his band, his faith in God and his relationship with his girlfriend, Jessica, Cody finds a sense of belonging. For Chris, the struggle to find his sense of purpose proves more difficult. He is torn between his devotion to his family and his desire to get an education and escape poverty. Chris' battle to succeed plays out dramatically in his attempts to start a school newspaper. On the eve of publishing his first edition, a family emergency intervenes and he abandons the project. As the school year ends, Chris fails all his classes.