Jun 4, 2008 11:37 pm US/Pacific
Cancer Survivor Not Allowed To Graduate
Leanna Elizalde Only One Class Away From Diploma
WOODLAND (CBS13) ―
A Woodland high school student, just a few credits shy of her diploma, will not be graduating this Saturday, even after winning her fight against cancer.
"I think it's ridiculous," said Leanna Elizalde. "I'm just going to sit there and I'm not going to have my name called."
Despite her family's efforts, the school district will not allow the cancer survivor to walk across the stage on graduation day. Even a doctor's note from Leanna's surgeon wasn't enough to change administrator's minds.
"She will be allowed to sit on the field with her classmates during our ceremony," said Evelia Genera, principal of Woodland High. When we tried to ask her questions later, she refused.
Leanna said she is only a few credits shy of earning her high school diploma. She fell behind after fighting cancer for the last six months, going through two surgeries and intense radiation treatment.
Now cancer-free, she has enrolled in summer school.
With the Class of 2008 ceremony just a few days away, her mother hopes administrators will still have a change of heart. "Maybe at the last minute they'll let her walk," she said.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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