On September 6th, I had the privilege of being invited to the graduation ceremony of Maya Story. You may be wondering why someone would be graduating high school in the fall, but this student’s story is different. If that name doesn’t ring a bell to you, I hope you learn about the journey she had to take by the end of this article.
Maya came to Academic Magnet for her freshman year in 2020. After the entire world had experienced a rough couple of months with COVID-19, a new school year was starting. She started her high school career off with a bang, quickly maintaining a straight-A student status. Making her first year look like a breeze, she became a veteran and moved to her sophomore year here. She kept the same prestige, with good grades and nothing slowing her down. Then junior year came, and as Mr. Perlmutter said, “The train jumped the tracks.” Maya could no longer attend school due to a medical condition that kept her from doing essential school tasks, such as online homework, looking at the board, or even walking into a room with bright lights. This quickly became detrimental and Maya had to temporarily leave school for an undetermined amount of time. Through no fault of her own, she had to accept that her life path would be changing. Even though she was getting better, over the next two years, Maya struggled with the idea of what to do.
At the end of what would have been her senior year of high school, as all the people she had entered high school with were graduating at the Performing Arts Center, Mr. Perlmutter came to the Story family, proposing the idea that Maya attend high school, but instead of making up the two full years, she would be able to finish in a quick four months. Even though it would be hard, Mr. Perlmutter recognized the endurance she had carried on with her from her first two years at Academic Magnet. In his commencement speech, he said he, “never heard her complain or feel sorry for herself.” And so, Maya did exactly what our principal believed she could do: she graduated high school.
Unfortunately, due to the unconventional timing of said graduation, Maya could not walk across a stage with her fellow Class of ‘24 graduates; however, Mr. Perlmutter did not let this stop her. During the second block on September 6th, 2024, all the teachers with a planning period at that time along with the District came to the lecture hall to witness this occasion. Dr. Russell and I came as well to document the ceremony. Mr. Perlmutter spoke with love and admiration in each of his words, highlighting the struggle and perseverance that she went through. Maya got to move her graduation cap tassel from one side to the other and shake Mr. Perlmutter’s hand while receiving her diploma. After Dr. Russell was able to take a couple of photos, Maya received many hugs from her parents and sister.
The Story family is extremely grateful for everything Mr. Perlmutter has done for both them and Maya. Emotions were running high for her parents, getting to see their daughter cross this long-awaited finish line. This was a monumental moment that they will cherish for years to come, and we wish the best of luck to Maya down whatever path she takes.
