Jessica Graduates from High School!

Jessica graduated from High School! This was quite an emotional event for us. Our "Little Girl" graduated from High School! Jessica has been going to school in TUSD since she was 3 yrs old... almost 17 years! She has had her ups and downs medically over the years and has been in Special Ed this whole time. I thank the Special Ed teachers and aids SO MUCH! They have really contributed to how well Jessica has done academically and socially. She loves school, she loves to learn and she especially loves to socialize. Unfortunately the time has come where she is just not able to make it to school due to her medical problems. Her wonderful teachers offered to have a special graduation just for her so she could have that experience. (She is still welcome to come back to the class and visit any time she likes so it's not as if she won't be able to have that contact anymore.)

Jessica was so excited to be able to wear the cap and gown (she borrowed Justen's)! One of the teachers ordered a cake especially for her. The principle presented her with her diploma but he had to leave and it all happened while Karl went out to his vehicle to get his camera! So when Karl got back to the classroom, the teachers helped us do a much better presentation of her diploma and we got an excellent photo of her receiving it. She was also able to walk a few steps to receive it in front of the classroom whereas when the principle did it she was sitting in her wheelchair at the side of the room. The 2nd time was much better!

If you think about it, not many people would have believed that Jess would make it this far. She is amazing. God is amazing. We are truly thankful to have her in our lives still. And we are thankful to have friends and family like you in our lives as well.

Jessica receiving her diploma


Jessica said a few words... she said "I love you all".

Jess with Dad and Mom. Dad had to come while on duty, that's why he is in his uniform.

Barb, one of the teachers, got this cake made for Jess.

Jessica and Barb - we've known Barb since Jess was in kindergarten. Barb was a Teacher's Aid in Special Ed while Jess was in Elementary school for a few years. Later, when Jess started High School, we found that Barb had transfered to that Special Ed program and she has been with Jess for the last 5 years too! We just LOVE Barb!

Jessica received flowers from her former teachers Mrs. Bentley and Mrs. Palmer. (we didn't get a chance to get a picture of Mrs. Bentley with Jess but she was at the graduation)

Jessica with Mrs. Palmer - who was Jessica's teacher in kindergarten too. She transfered along with Barb to High School and was Jessica's teacher again for 4 years until she took a different job. She is also a very wonderful teacher and friend!

Justen and Ravyn came to the graduation


Jess and all her siblings... even her future sis-in-law!

Austin drew Jess a great dragon picture while at the party.

Jess with some of her classmates and Elaine, the health clerk.

Elaine, Grandma Jensen and Brandon hanging out at the graduation party.

Linda and Donna came to see Jess graduate. They were Jessica's hospice team when Jess was having lung bleeds and needed them. Now they come for social visits. They are great friends!

Jess and Amanda - our social worker and friend from " Tu Nidito".

Jess and Mrs Pankratz - Jessica's teacher from middle school. We still keep in touch with her. She was such a great help to Jess through the middle school years.

Scott, one of the Teacher's Aids, with Jess.

Jessica's whole class! Aren't they great?!


Thank you for stopping by. Leave your congrats messages please! It will really make Miss Jessica's day!