Palin defends son-in-law's education level

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says her future son-in-law, Levi Johnston, is not a high school dropout despite recent reports to the contrary.

The former Republican vice presidential candidate said in a statement Wednesday that Johnston, the father of Palin's new grandson, and her 18-year-old daughter, Bristol, were both working diligently at earning high school degrees, the Anchorage Daily News said.

"Bristol begins her final semester of high school next week where she'll get her last credit needed to graduate," Palin said. "Levi is continuing his online high school work in addition to working as an

electrical apprentice on the North Slope."

Palin also spoke publicly for the first time regarding the birth of her new grandson, Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, and his parents' commitment to his well-being, the Daily News reported.

"The road ahead for this young couple will not be easy, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy," Palin said. "Bristol and Levi are committed to accomplish what millions of other young parents have accomplished, to provide a loving and secure environment for their child."