A teen Mom’s photo has been excluded from the yearbook. Officials at Wheatmore High School in North Carolina have decided that the photo of 17-year-old Caitlin Tiller, holding her son Leelin, promotes teen pregnancy.
Wheatmore High School seniors were invited to provide photos to be included in the 2012-2013 yearbook. They were encouraged to include props that highlighted their personality and interests.
As reported by Fox 8 News , Caitlin chose her son Leelin for her “prop .” Caitlin explains that her son has been a true inspiration. She states that she “wouldn’t be the person [she is] today without him.”
In Caitlin’s opinion, the photo does not promote teen pregnancy ; it promotes unconditional love and her commitment to her son. She says that since the birth of her son last April, she has become more responsible and driven to succeed.
In addition to caring for her little boy, Caitlin works over 30 hours per week. As reported by WTVR , Caitlin worked especially hard to complete her high school education early . She began taking college classes in January.
Despite her success, the teen mom’s photo was excluded from the yearbook.
School officials state that they excluded the photo because it was supposed to feature the student, not other family members. They assert that the decision is final, and the books are already in the process of being printed.
Caitlin argues that school officials did not even tell her the photo was excluded from the yearbook until two days before printing began.
Caitlin’s mother, Karen Morgan, was disappointed with the school’s decision. She pointed out that school officials “should be proud that the students are willing to stay in school, graduate, and make something of themselves … not try and hide it.”
School officials gave Caitlin the option of submitting a photo that did not include her son; however, she declined.
The teen mom ‘s photo may have been excluded from the yearbook, but it will not stop her from working toward her goals and dreams as she raises her son.
View the picture that was excluded from the yearbook here.
[Image via Facebook]
