Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

'Miracle student' graduates, prepares for next step

Kaitlin Tye is one of the 65 graduating students of the Prescott High School class of 2006. But she and her family are likely among the most grateful for the fact that Kaitlin is walking with her classmates.

Two car accidents over the past few years left Kaitlin with some serious obstacles.

The first was serious enough to send Kaitlin for a two-week hospital stay. The second  in October of 2004  caused the medical team to send for a helicopter.

I was airlifted to Texarkana, she said.

She has first-hand knowledge of the trauma teams, intensive care units and rehabilitation plans available in several hospitals, though she admits that she remembers little of any of it.

When Kaitlin returned home from the most recent accident, she was facing some problems that might have caused some people to simply quit.

We had to come from ground zero, said Kaitlins mother, Kim.

At first, Kaitlin couldnt even recognize pictures of ordinary objects.

Though dropping out of school and taking an easier road might have been an option for Kaitlin, she said she never seriously considered that her life wasnt going to matter.

I want to make something of myself, rather than be a bum, living off my parents for the rest of my life, she said.

Kim said that Kaitlin had to study little before the accidents.

Now she says she has to dig it out, Kim said.

Kim cited several reasons for Kaitlins determination and her success, including her sense of independence. She said that after the first wreck, Kaitlin simply insisted that she do things for herself. She had a pin in her arm and couldnt hold her shoulder up. So shed prop her elbow on a shelf and hold the hair dryer, moving her head instead of moving the dryer.

Id ask if I could help and shed just say, I got it, Kim said.

Another important point is the school and staff who have supported Kaitlins desire to finish. She was home schooled for a period of time, but then returned to the classroom. Kim said that Kaitlin has only a few hours of energy, then she just has to rest in order to continue her work. She cant make an entire school day, so her teachers arranged for Kaitlin to take a short nap in the middle of the day  a chance to recharge.

Ms. Vandiver has been great, Kaitlin said.

Another thing thats gotten Kaitlin through is her sense of humor, though thats a trait that seems to be shared by the entire family.

On the subject of memory  or the lack of  Kaitlin said that her mom had told her to simply act 43, because at that age you start to forget things naturally.

Sometimes she carries her memory around in her purse, said Kim.

Or she forgets and leaves it at home, said Kaitlins grandmother, Carolyn Tye.

Probably the most important thing thats gotten Kaitlin and her family through their ordeal is their faith and the prayers of family and friends. Both Carolyn and Kim said the outpouring of payers was overwhelming.

We couldnt have made it without the prayers, said Carolyn. I think thats what got us through. Then turning to Kaitlin, she said, Shes convinced that God has something for her.

The next step for Kaitlin? Shes planning to attend community college this fall, possibly aiming for a degree in sociology.