AMERICAN FORK, Utah (ABC4) — Two years ago, Samantha Corey was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
While undergoing multiple cancer treatments, Samantha continued her schooling and completed the requirements to graduate. She was scheduled to graduate from American Fork High School this month, but she died of cancer in January.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Courtesy: Destiny Jensen
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Courtesy: Samantha Corey’s family
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Courtesy: Samantha Corey’s family
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Courtesy: Destiny Jensen
Her family wanted to attend her graduation ceremony and receive her diploma in her honor, but were initially told this would not be possible. After a few days, the Alpine School District made an exception to the rules.
Kimberly Corey, Samantha’s mother, said graduating was a big goal for her.
“We came up with some plans for what we wanted to do for graduation and we talked about it with the school as well and we all thought it would be possible,” Kimberly said. “Many other children with cancer who die at an older age or even a little younger will still be able to have something to do with their graduation, whether it’s the whole family walking or one of their siblings or parents or something.
Before the exception to the policy was made, Kimberly said she was told that Samantha’s last name could not be read and that due to district policy, no one could walk in her place.
“Many of her friends and classmates have been through this journey with her over the years, and we wanted them to have a way to grieve this situation as well,” Kimberly said. “We’re trying to think of other things they can do to get through this milestone healthily.”
Kimberly said they are trying to get creative because they just want students to have a positive memory of their graduation – of a girl who fought with them all through high school.
“I don’t want it to be negative or stressful, I want it to be like, ‘this is how we honor our friend,’” she said.
What the school district said
Days after Samantha’s family contacted ABC4.com, the Alpine School District released a new statement allowing an exception for her family.
The district said its policy regarding student memorials “was put to the test” in Samantha’s case.
“School administrators have traditionally had a policy regarding student memorials during graduation ceremonies. We have also implemented procedures for administrators to request exceptions to the policy,” the district said in a statement. “This morning, the district leadership team reviewed and approved an exception for this matter.”
The district’s statement explained that Samantha will now be honored at a school ceremony to be held in late May. The statement also said there are policies in place for the “effective administration” of programs throughout the district.
“We are grateful to our high school administrators who support their schools so effectively and passionately,” the statement said. “We look forward to celebrating the achievements of Samantha and all of our other extraordinary students who have achieved so much.”
Original response from the district
Initially, the Alpine School District sent ABC4.com the following statement:
As students across the Alpine School District celebrate their high school graduation, we recognize that some students graduate from high school before they and their families experience this milestone.
Year-end celebration plans are guided by district policy. Decisions regarding specific plans reflect our sincere desire to appropriately balance the need to remember those who have passed and the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all graduates. We realize that not allowing certain types of monuments during the end of the school year ceremony may cause additional pain for the loved ones of graduates who passed the exam. School administrators have the difficult responsibility to lead with compassion and empathy to help the school community cope with loss within policy guidelines.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family of each deceased student and we recognize that the death of a student has a complex impact on the entire school community. As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates this spring, we also remind ourselves of the importance of all lives.
