Student Can Walk With Class at Graduation

They aren't genies, but after members of the  board of trustees made a small change in a policy, one student will have his wish granted. 

Erick Bermudez will get the chance to don a cap and gown and walk with his classmates on Saturday, when the class of 2011 is honored at a graduation ceremony at Drollete Stadium. 

Bermudez didn't think he could participate in the graduation ceremony because he had fallen so far behind in his studies. He wasn't ditching school or having a behavior problem. He was in pain from a kidney disease that causes him to develop kidney stones.

His mother, Lisa Gustafson, has known for most of the year that her son wouldn't be allowed to participate in the annual rite because board policy forbids students who haven't fulfilled graduation requirements by the last day of school to walk across the stage.

But she asked anyway.

"I've been told 'no' most of the school year," said Gustafson. "I thought, what would it hurt to write a letter and ask (the school board) for an exception?"

That letter led to a special meeting of the school board Tuesday night and a change in board policy. Now, students who have fallen behind because of "a substantial, verifiable medical condition" but who can fulfill graduation requirements before the end of the calendar year have the opportunity to participate in graduation ceremonies.

The new policy leaves the decision to the superintendent.

As soon as the meeting was adjourned, Superintendent Janice Adams escorted Bermudez and Gustafson into her office adjacent to the board meeting room. They emerged three minutes later, their smiles telling the story.

Bermudez still must fulfill graduation requirements before receiving his diploma, but his wish to walk across the stage with his classmates has been granted.