High school graduation-- it is one of the most important milestones, as part of growing up in the US. An event to cherish old memories, forever friends and an ending to the beginning of the rest of your life. Sadly, some never get to experience this; not even a cancer fighting student named, Leanna Elizalde. She has been fighting cancer, school work and the tribulations of a high school student. She was diagnosed with a painful cancerous tumor in her leg and has undergone many procedures for recovery. This should be a story of hope, strength, and determination. Sadly, this has brought light into the lack of inspiration and empathy of those who we look up to as leaders by example.
Leanna's biggest battle is not with her cancer; it is trying to convince her school board to allow her to participate in her graduation ceremony. She is behind 5 units of the 230 needed for graduation, preventing her from walking with her class, according to the 'all mighty rules'. The principal, Evelia Genera has refused to make any comments, stating that she is only allowed to speak with parents regarding student matters. Leanna's mother has made many pleas for the board to reconsider this decision. "Absolutely not", "Rules are Rules", and "No" are the only responses received. There are many supporters encouraging the board to allow Leanna to graduate, including her doctor who wrote a special letter to the principal stating her decision to not allow Leanna would be "construed as a punitive action unbefitting a pediatric cancer patient."
Leanna struggled through treatment and recovery, trying her best to keep up with school work. This is truly inspiring, not only to her peers, but for all of us. Leanna truly has fought to not let cancer stop her from creating, sharing and building these important memories in her life. It was reported that she attended her high school prom, with a drainage bag attached to her under her dress. At this age, to have this much strength to cope with recovery but not loose determination to succeed is truly inspiring.
I do not understand when 'Rules' were set in stone. This is absolutely ridiculous and unbecoming of what we call education. Graduation is meant to honor accomplishments and success. Are we resorting to say that education is only equivalent to how many units we receive or the score of the GPA. Stating so takes away the true essence of knowledge itself. This girl's story is not one of someone who gave up, who didn't try, but simply, that of perseverance and strength. If this is the examples we allow to be set by people we appoint in position of leadership, where is mentoring headed?
The school board is meeting tonight to make a decision on whether or not Leanna can graduate with her class this Saturday, June 6th, 2008. The school's website states two quotes (Please see the image below). One of them being:
"Learning is not compulsory... neither is survival. "
~W. Edwards Deming (1900 - 1993)
~W. Edwards Deming (1900 - 1993)
Leanna's story showcases that survival is compulsory, and so we must all learn from it. I am writing this in hopes to pass the word, the support and the ultimate plea to let this student be part of something that you only experience once in your life, with friends she has known since kindergarten. A sweet close to a sweeter beginning. The high school diploma is only the beginning for Leanna, who hopes to go to medical school and be on the other side of what she has gone through---- treating cancer.
The motto on the school web page says, "The strength of the wolves is in the pack..." I urge her pack to stand together and fight for her right to take part.
"Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."-- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
********** UPDATED *************
They are allowing her to walk. :)
New updated News 10 article
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