Schools
Zach Marlow, Crash Victim, Not Graduating With Class
The Roosevelt senior is recovering from serious injuries sustained in a March rollover crash in downtown Kent
Car accident victim will be in attendance today to watch his fellow classmates receive their diplomas, but he won’t get to cross the stage himself.
The 18-year-old has been unable to attend school since March 17, when he was critically injured in near the Crain Avenue Bridge in downtown Kent.
He was a back-seat passenger in a classmate’s Jeep Liberty during a lunch break from school when the car spun out and rolled over. During the accident, Zach was thrown from the vehicle and became trapped beneath it.
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He spent six weeks at Akron City Hospital, most of that time in the intensive care unit. On April 29 he was transferred to the traumatic brain injury unit at Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Institute in Cuyahoga Falls. He was released three weeks ago.
His mother, Laura Marlow, said Zach began receiving tutoring at Edwin Shaw in the hopes he could make up enough ground academically to be able to graduate with the Roosevelt Class of 2011.
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Despite his efforts, though, Zach remains a half-credit shy of meeting graduation requirements in both math and science.
Laura said it’s disappointing her son isn’t eligible to cross the stage today at ’s MAC Center, where Roosevelt’s commencement begins at 2:30 p.m. – particularly because gaining the strength to walk without assistance is something Zach recently mastered after months of recovery.
The family understands, though, that rules are rules.
"I met with (Principal Roger) Sidoti on Wednesday morning and he said, unfortunately, Zach won't be allowed to walk across the stage. He explained that others in similar situations, credits-wise, have been turned down and there could be an outcry if they broke the rules for this situation," Laura said.
Sidoti could not be reached for comment.
Even though he isn’t graduating, Zach will get to wear his cap and gown when he attends the ceremony today with his family. They will have reserved seats in the front row on the floor, right next to where his classmates will be seated.
Laura said Sidoti told her that Zach will be recognized during the commencement exercises.
School officials have made arrangements for Zach’s last semester of his senior year to continue into the summer. Once he completes district-provided tutoring and the required testing, he will receive his diploma.
"He still has a long road to recovery ahead of him," Laura said. "He still looks like a beat-up kid who was in a bad accident."
But being able to attend graduation rehearsal and the senior picnic on Friday, as well as today’s commencement ceremony, is beyond meaningful to both Zach and his family.
After all, just two months ago today the family did not even know if Zach would ever walk or talk again. "He may not be getting his diploma (today), but we have a lot to celebrate," Laura said.