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Feb 12, 2008 10:42 am US/Central
Burleson H.S. Principal Yanks Profile On Teen Mom
Teen Mom Says She Just Wants To Offer Support
BURLESON (CBS 11 News) ―
Brittani Shipman has her hands full. Not only is the 17-year-old raising her 17-month-old daughter, Kayli-Rae, she does it while maintaining As and Bs.
"I'm a teenager. I'm a mom. I'm a student. I'm everything all at once," the Burleson High School senior said.
Shipman urges other teens to know if they find themselves in her situation, they can continue their education.
"You can pursue something that you still want," she stressed. "Like, I sill want to be a teacher and a coach. I still wanted to take advanced placement classes. I still took them. I still did it."
That's why she was thrilled when the yearbook staff wanted to do a story about her. A story that was vetoed by Principal Paul Cash.
"I think his position at that time is -- we have an abstinence based program and it wasn't the appropriate venue for this subject," explained Richard Crummel, Burleson ISD spokesperson.
"I just broke down and cried," the teen mom admitted.
But, Shipman didn't give up.
She and the yearbook editor took their case to the Burleson School Board and asked the panel to reverse the principal's decision.
"I do feel that we are being censored," yearbook editor Megan Estes told the board Monday night.
"All I'm asking is that you allow my story to be told," Shipman pleaded.
Even if the article doesn't make it into the yearbook, Shipman is reaching an even bigger audience -- on the late night news -- where she still hopes to make an impact.
"I know that I can do it. I know that they can do it," she added.
The girls were told they must file their appeal in writing. Then, the board will decide if it will take any action on the matter.
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