"Student with Down syndrome to graduate, and leave her aide of 12 years"
Before Julie Halfen crosses the stage to accept her high school diploma Sunday, a special friend behind the scenes will make the last-minute primps to her cap and gown as she assists the young woman with Down syndrome one final time.
Linda Hammer, 53, has been teamed up with Halfen for 12 years as her one-on-one classroom aide -- ever since the child entered 1st grade and was affectionately dubbed "Peanut" for her size.
Now Halfen is 19 and graduating from Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, with plans to attend a transition school that teaches life skills and job preparation. Her sidekick will no longer be there to help with her homework, shadow her in the hallways or share her oatmeal cookies."
It's very bittersweet because I am so proud of her," said Hammer, who averaged 30 hours a week with Halfen. She even changed her school district employer to stick with her when the young girl entered high school.
No comments:
Post a Comment