Great grads: Vennessa Brooks, Greenport High School

Vennessa Brooks,18, refuses to let her physical limitations confine her spirit.

In eighth grade she struggled with the sudden death of her father. Shortly thereafter she became ill with what was diagnosed as lupus, an autoimmune disease believed to have a genetic link. Last fall the disease attacked her spinal cord, causing paralysis from the knees down and resulting in brief stays in three hospitals. She became concerned about missing school assignments and often called her guidance counselor from the hospital to keep pace. When she was strong enough, she resumed her studies with a tutor supplied by the high school.

In April, she returned to high school in a wheelchair, ready to complete her senior year and graduate with friends.

Her plans: Hopes to attend Suffolk County Community College in the fall.

In her words: "I don't think negatively. The hardest part is not listening to the doctors when they say I might not walk again. I know I will."

The view from the guidance department: "Vennessa always had a smile on her face and was ready to work. Her diagnosis was grim, but Vennessa's attitude was not. Instead, she focuses on all the positives in her life," said guidance counselor Brandi Hopkins.