Kylee Wilson, an Iowa twelfth-grader, was denied walking in her graduation this past Sunday – because of her struggles with lupus.
Kylee was dual-enrolled in the Marion Independent School District and homeschooling due to her illness, which had caused her to miss a significant amount of school her freshman year. Kylee’s symptoms include achy joints, migraines and swollen knees.
Per district policy, students in the homeschooling program may not participate in the public high school’s graduation. Kylee and her family petitioned the school board, stating that she would not have been homeschooled if not for her illness, and the district should make an exception for students with medical reasons. Kylee, enrolled in Marion public schools since kindergarten, just wanted to celebrate with her friends.
Melanie Guanci, executive director of Iowa’s chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America, also petitioned the Marion School District on Kylee’s behalf, to no avail.
This fall, Kylee will be attending the University of Northern Iowa to study early childhood education.
Even though Kylee was not able to walk in the ceremony, she still managed to graduate high school while battling serious medical issues - no easy feat! Congratulations are definitely due. Share your well wishes with Kylee here!
Source: http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/education/k-12-education/girl-with-lupus-prohibited-from-walking-in-graduation-ceremony-20160527
