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A graduation of her own Denied the chance to march
with her class after illness costs her some credits, a Mountain View
senior will have a separate ceremony, thanks to donations 06/20/03 JASON BEGAY |
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VANCOUVER -- On the night that she had hoped to graduate from high school, Katie Swafford-Lemar dined with her parents in a restaurant. As usual, Katie, who looks younger than her 18 years, politely declined the children's menu and a pail of crayons.
Her school, Mountain View High in Vancouver's Evergreen School District, held commencement exercises Wednesday evening, more than a week after the school board denied Katie's request for an exception to the district's graduation requirements because of illness. The request would have allowed her to participate in the ceremony despite falling short of credits and to make up the credits during the summer.
However, powered by a Portland radio station and donations from individuals and businesses throughout the region, she will get to feel what it's like to walk across a stage in a cap and gown to music and applause of family and friends in a ceremony of her own.
In the past week, Katie has become a celebrity since news broke that she was denied her request. She has appeared on radio and television shows in Portland, Seattle, and Las Vegas.
"It's weird," Katie said in an interview Thursday evening. "I don't like being in the public eye. People recognize me that I don't even know. It's super-weird."
Katie was diagnosed with cystinosis when she was a year old. The disease, which stunted her growth, affects about 2,000 people worldwide
She fell ill twice during her senior year, first with an infection of E. coli bacteria last fall and then with a respiratory infection in January. In all, her family estimates Katie missed as much as six weeks of school.
The Lemars were informed last week that the Evergreen school board denied their request, which prompted an outburst of public attention.
"Everybody looks forward to their high school graduation," said Ryan, a producer and on-air personality on the Chet Buchanan Morning Show on Portland radio station Z-100. "It didn't make sense for someone like Katie -- who had to work so hard and deal with that disability -- and not be able to participate in the ceremony."
By declaring his support for Katie over the airwaves, Ryan has garnered considerable attention for her.
Callers offered to style her hair, to donate flowers; to provide security service. Lithtex Printing Solutions in Hillsboro will donate 1,000 programs for her ceremony. The venue, Embassy Suites in Washington Park, has also been donated.
The event will feature a yet-unnamed guest speaker and live music by several artists, including Melody Lewis of Camas, who performed on the reality television show "American Idol."
Ryan has extended the invitation to 2003 graduates throughout the region to participate with Katie, including her Mountain View High School classmates.
Despite her excitement, it won't be the same, Katie said.
"It will be different and a new experience," she said. "It'll be a blast."
On the night she had hoped to graduate high school, Katie rented two movies. During an intermission she went to the kitchen to get a drink of water and noticed fireworks outside the patio window.
The pyrotechnics were from the Mountain View High School graduation ceremony, she said.
"I was a little upset and depressed," she said, returning to her movie marathon. "I didn't want to watch it from far away."
The graduation ceremony is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Embassy Suites in Washington Square. For more information, go to the Z-100 Web site, www.z100portland.com or e-mail ryan@z100portland.com.
Jason Begay: 360-896-5719 or 503-294-5900; jasonbegay@news.oregonian.com
