Student with cancer from Woodland can graduate

WOODLAND, Calif.—A woodland high school student who is battling cancer will be allowed to graduate with her class despite falling behind in her studies.

school officials say Leanna Elizalde can join 300 other graduates if she finishes one more English paper.

The 18-year-old's two recent cancer surgeries and weeks of radiation therapy kept her from completing the class she needed to graduate Saturday.

The controversy upset parents and other students. It drew widespread media attention after Elizalde was told she was five credits short of getting her diploma.

Woodland Unified school district superintendent jacki Cottingim says the compromise lets her graduate but protects graduation requirements.

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Saturday, June 07, 2008 |

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