WOODLAND, CA – After a week filled with controversy, Woodland School District officials met in a special session Friday to look through confidential student records and review the process of allowing 18-year-old Leanna Elizalde, who has battled cancer most of her senior year, to walk with her class during Woodland High School’s graduation ceremony Saturday.
“We have reviewed the record and are satisfied that the administration has followed the process that is fair for all students. The school district supports that all families have equal access to the appeals process,” said school board president, Carol Souza Cole following the closed door meeting.
Cole would not discuss the specifics of Friday’s meeting, although the session was scheduled after public outcry over Elizalde’s case.
The decision brings the nearly week-long controversy over Elizalde and her graduation to a close after the story of the girl’s plight began garnering media attention earlier this week.
Since December, Elizalde has had two cancer surgeries and faced weeks of radiation therapy that left her with at least one English class she had to finish in order to graduate Saturday.
Earlier this week, Elizalde was told that she was five credits shy of graduation and would not be allowed to participate in ceremonies with the rest of her class.
After her story generated community ire, the school began to backtrack. On Wednesday, Woodland High principal Evelia Genera announced the teen could sit in the stands and would receive recognition during graduation ceremonies but still would not be going home with a diploma.
Finally, Thursday brought closure to the family’s frustration. After meeting with district officials and the girl’s teachers, Elizalde and her mother said they were told she could sit with her classmates and graduate as long as she completes one final English paper.
“Somewhere, there a place where the integrity of the diploma and the other things are protected, but the student still gets what the student needs,” Woodland Unified School District Superintendent Jacki Cottingim said.
Leanna and her mother said they didn’t want anyone fired or disciplined over the case and harbored no bad feelings toward the school. They said they wanted others to know an appeals process and help was available in these types of unique situations.
“We thank everyone for all their support in this,” Elizalde’s mother Lupe Ramirez said.
In addition to finishing her paper and donning her cap and gown, Leanna said she planned to take some time to buy a new dress in her favorite color — purple — in time for Saturday’s ceremonies.
