For once, an uplifting news story

[Digobick]

It's nice to hear about the good people our there every once in awhile.

CNN - Disabled Girl Gets Wish: A diploma Walk

Three years ago, a car accident on the way home from Berkmar High School in the Atlanta suburb of Lilburn left Malikina paralyzed from the waist down. The crash killed one of her friends.

But Malikina, a Russian immigrant who came to America after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, was determined to heal and move on. She finished her senior year with honors.

Her hopes were dashed when the school's principal said he would not allow her to walk across the stage. His reasons, Malikina says, included safety concerns, liability issues and a complaint she would take too long to cross.

Despite her protests, the principal would not budge.

So, on graduation day Malikina said she sat in the audience and cried. Not allowed to walk, she wheeled herself on the stage to accept her diploma.

But her sorrow ended there. Malikina and family told her story to anyone who would listen.

Eventually, a local radio station picked it up. On a whim, one of the deejays offered to give Malikina her very own graduation -- complete with a walk across the stage -- to celebrate her achievement.

Within a day, Philips Arena had donated the venue and local merchants had chipped in with signs, food and graduation programs. The whole city was invited to attend.

Malikina said she still is overwhelmed.

Btw, I'm glad that principal doesn't live anywhere close to me. :|