Below is summary from an interview with Brenna on May 14, 2013
In June 2012, Brenna Norman was in a devastating car accident during which she was ejected 30 from the vehicle. She was in the hospital for 45 days and in a coma for a large portion of that time. When she was released in August, her ability to function had been reduced to that of an infant. Brenna then began the long process of intense physical therapy to learn how to talk and walk and regain all motor skills.
When she was ready to return to her district high school, she was told that it would be impossible for her to graduate with her class in May because she was too far behind academically. Additionally, the school administration, doctors and her parents were concerned about her ability to navigate crowded hallways.
The district recommended she try Ombudsman because she would not have to deal with the hassle of changing classes, she would receive more one-on-one attention from teachers and the flexible four-hour schedule was better for her condition.
Brenna started at Ombudsman on January 3 and has excelled. She was able to catch up on her credits and will graduate on time next week. She said the individualized, caring instruction from her teachers is why she was able to succeed.
During the semester, she enjoyed participating in the food drive for the Limestone Food Bank. Her class collected nearly 500 items. She also participated in another community project for a local shelter for battered and abused women where the class donated food and toiletry items.
Pennie Davis, the county employee who oversees the IEP/504 students at the center, said Brenna is incredibly caring and observant of her surroundings. On her own, she discovered a classmate was in need, and Brenna and her family brought the student food and other necessities.
Brenna hopes to attend Calhoun Community College this fall and has aspirations to be a nurse.
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