Grand Avenue Middle School Graduate Overcoming the Odds

When Katie McCormick was in elementary school, her mother did not think she would not be able to walk when reaching her eighth grade graduation day at Grand Avenue Middle School.

This Friday, not only will McCormick be walking the stage at her moving up ceremony but the young Bellmore resident, who has persevered while living with cerebral palsy was selected to give a speech to her graduating class.

Kim McCormick said her daughter being selected to take the podium at middle school graduation is just the latest in a long list of accomplishments she has met in the face of adversity. McCormick, who is required to have an aid carry her school books between classes due to her condition, has been a consistent honor roll student at Grand Avenue. As recently as kindergarten, she was unable to walk. 

“She is a very determined and strong-willed little girl,” said Kim McCormick of how her daughter has overcome the odds while facing a tough health condition. “She has to work at everything she does in life.”

McCormick, who will be attending Kennedy High School this fall, said at first she was reluctant to speak at her graduation but decided to accept the invitation after some encouragement from her family.

“I was surprised I was chosen,” said McCormick, who aspires to be a special education teacher when she is older. “It’s a big honor.”

As a result of her struggles walking, McCormick said interacting with other students through the years has been a challenge, but she recently has made many great friends at Grand Avenue. She said her teachers have also been very supportive.

Lisa Albanese, who owns Hair Bar & Makeup Lounge on 1516 Bellmore Ave. with her sister Dana DiBella, said she was touched when learning of McCormick’s story on the Bellmore Moms Facebook page. In honor of her big graduation day, Albanese said McCormick will be invited to come into her store for her hair and makeup service free of charge.

“We are honored and so excited for this remarkable young lady to come and enjoy a day of beauty in our salon,” Albanese said. “We are truly going to roll out ‘the red carpet’ and hope she will remember us forever!”

Kim McCormick said her daughter’s success has served as an inspiration to her entire family and she is excited to have others in the community become aware of these triumphs against the odds at Grand Avenue’s graduation.

“Katie has overcome a lot of obstacles,” Kim McCormick said. “She has come very far.”