White County High School Principal John Osborne said Ariel Simmons was one of a few students who were unable to meet the graduation requirements at the time.
Osborne said Simmons didn't let the challenges stop her from reaching her goal.
"She just persevered. She just kept on and kept at it, studying and finally got through the state required graduation test, where so many kids won't, don't have that stick to it like she did, and we are so proud of her," Osborne said.
White County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeff Wilson presented Ariel with her diploma in what was called a Second Chance Graduation Ceremony last week.
White County adheres to strict graduation guidelines, and Osborne said they are there for a reason.
"It's a good policy, they don't let you walk unless you have fully graduated and part of the reason they do that is the reason we have such a high rate of graduations, we're higher than anybody around us."
Osborne said there were three or four other students who were able to meet the state requirements like Ariel, but choose not to participate in the first ever Second Chance ceremony in the county.
A large number of family and friends attended the ceremony in support of Simmons.
Dr. Jeff Wilson and Ariel Simmons
http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/1/257726