(CNN/WTAJ) — A pregnant high school senior in Pennsylvania is not being allowed to walk at her graduation ceremony.
Even though she had a note from her doctor, excusing her from grad-practices because of hospitalization.
Chandi Chapman reports that Ciara Miller has her cap and gown and is ready to walk across the stage at Bentworth High School to get her High School Diploma.
“It was rough, but I succeeded, and I’m proud of myself and being a mom and still going, I feel like I deserve to walk,” said Ciara Miller, graduating senior.
But that may not happen.
She says school officials in the Bentworth school district in Bentleyville told her she could not go to the graduation ceremony.
“Because I was in the hospital. I was admitted,” said Miller.
She’s due to deliver her baby boy in two weeks but unexpectedly had to stay at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital because of a medical issue.
That happened the same day’s practices for graduation were held.
In this letter from the school district, it states, “Attendance at graduation practice is mandatory, and “unexcused absences will eliminate you from the graduation program.”
But Miller and her mother Tina Jackson say a doctor gave the teen this excuse for the practices missed.
“It’s a medical situation. It wasn’t my choice,” said Miller.
Miller says she and her family are disappointed she might not be able to go to the ceremony tomorrow evening.
“This is a big moment, and you know, to be shot down like this at the last minute it’s not fair to any of us,” said Tina Jackson, her Mother.
Then another call came.
On the other line was superintendent Scott Martin.
Martin said he plans to meet with Miller and her mother to talk about the situation.
“I’m hoping they do. I hope they find it in their hearts to let her walk. She earned it,” said Jackson.
Ciara Miller and the Bentworth School District say they have reached a compromise.
Miller is not allowed to walk at Bentworth High School’s graduation ceremony, but she can stand with her graduating class and move her tassel with the rest of the students.