Central HS Student Honored At Graduation After Losing Cancer Battle
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: May 24, 2012
The family of a teenager who lost her battle with Leukemia got to join her class in one of the proudest moments of their lives, graduation.
Janeya Hutton or "Neya" as friends and family called her, was a sophomore at Central High School when she was diagnosed with Leukemia. That was over two years ago and since then, many of her classmates have continued finding creative ways to keeping her memory alive.
"Losing a child is not an easy thing, I wish she was here so I could go through these things with her," said her mother, LaTonya Eackles.
Janeya and her family were also looking forward to graduation, but before she could complete her finals, or even learn how to drive, she was diagnosed with leukemia and died months later.
"I missed so many things her senior year, her social, the senior banquet, the prom," said Eackles.
Her classmates friends have kept her in the loop on Facebook, posting endearing messages and photos, holding her space.
The school also made sure to include them in the ceremony Thursday.
Standing before the graduating class, Principal Nancy Rousseau said, "We want to recognize Janeya Hutton, a member of the class of 2012 before her untimely and tragic death."
Janeya's parents walked across the stage hugging faculty and staff while the students and their families cheered.
"I did it, she's saying I did it and I'm glad I had my mom there and my dad there to accept it on my behalf," Eackles said through tears.
Friends and family, even babies too young to have met her showed up in support, upholding their promise to never forget her and what she achieved, while she was here.
"It was bittersweet but I felt Janeya with me, behind me pushing me, mama do it, mama do it," said Eackles. "I'm sure they're having a party in heaven, I'm sure."
Janeya Hutton or "Neya" as friends and family called her, was a sophomore at Central High School when she was diagnosed with Leukemia. That was over two years ago and since then, many of her classmates have continued finding creative ways to keeping her memory alive.
"Losing a child is not an easy thing, I wish she was here so I could go through these things with her," said her mother, LaTonya Eackles.
Janeya and her family were also looking forward to graduation, but before she could complete her finals, or even learn how to drive, she was diagnosed with leukemia and died months later.
"I missed so many things her senior year, her social, the senior banquet, the prom," said Eackles.
Her classmates friends have kept her in the loop on Facebook, posting endearing messages and photos, holding her space.
The school also made sure to include them in the ceremony Thursday.
Standing before the graduating class, Principal Nancy Rousseau said, "We want to recognize Janeya Hutton, a member of the class of 2012 before her untimely and tragic death."
Janeya's parents walked across the stage hugging faculty and staff while the students and their families cheered.
"I did it, she's saying I did it and I'm glad I had my mom there and my dad there to accept it on my behalf," Eackles said through tears.
Friends and family, even babies too young to have met her showed up in support, upholding their promise to never forget her and what she achieved, while she was here.
"It was bittersweet but I felt Janeya with me, behind me pushing me, mama do it, mama do it," said Eackles. "I'm sure they're having a party in heaven, I'm sure."
