By Cris Villalonga-Vivoni, Staff Writer, Updated
EAST HAVEN — A sunny, picturesque graduation walk across the stage at East Haven High School is the moment that Isabella "Bella" Chambasis had been training for in physical therapy. And on Thursday, it finally arrived.
Her cap, decorated with the word "unstoppable," sat comfortably pinned to her head, with small charms featuring her loved ones' photos dangling from the tassels.
When Chambasis stood from her wheelchair at the top of the stage, so did her classmates, ensuring she received a standing ovation, cheering her on with "Go Bella!" and applause.
She walked slowly but confidently, leaning into her mother, just like she practiced. Chambasis quickly shook hands with school administrators, grabbed a diploma, and sat back down in her wheelchair.
This was the culmination of years of physical, occupational, and speech therapy, enabling Chambasis to celebrate her graduation alongside a cohort of 195 East Haven High School seniors.