Schools

Despite Disability, Students Roll Toward a H.S. Diploma

Mountain View High's Ashleigh Terbert and Kenny Tran graduate with the Class of 2011.

More than 400 graduates walked across the stage on the Spartan's football field last Friday, but two students didn't.

Instead, Ashleigh Terbert and Kenny Tran wheeled over to Principal Keith Moody to get their diploma.

With personalities typical of any teenager, these 18-year-olds are anything but. Terbert, who has cerebral palsy and Tran, muscular dystrophy, both attended special education classes at MVHS and with a lot of support, the housemates' feat mirrored if not surpassed a lot of their classmates.

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"I feel pretty good," said Tran, who admitted to feeling a little overwhelmed after graduation. "I had some classes that were challenging but I got this far."

Both Terbert and Tran live at Green Pastures, a live-in facility on Cornelia Court that provides care and services to upward of six children with disabilities with ages that range between six and 22. Over the 35 years that Green Pastures has been in Mountain View, the organization has developed a strong relationship with the high school, where many of its clients attend.

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In the MVHS special education department Tran worked with Sherry Rekoon, who he called his favorite teacher and Terbert, who has speech impediments, worked with Diane Corbett.

"I'm so proud of her. She's surpassed so many challenges," said Lynne Silveara, Terbert's mom. "It's just amazing that she's graduating with the rest of her class."

The fun, easygoing and Facebook loving Terbert will continue at MVHS in the post-senior program, which offers vocational courses outside of the classroom.

Described by the staff at Green Pastures as adventurous, clever, a prankster and joker, Tran will attend Mission College in Santa Clara this fall and study the culinary arts.

"They are just great kids, both wonderful kids," said Maria Powery, center administrator. "We are very proud of them. We are a little family and they are like our kids."


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