The Union-News article about my daughter, Melissa

But the young woman's adoptive mother, Susan Frisius, knew that wasn't true.

Melissa recently made the honor roll at South Hadley High School. And, on Sunday, she will join 145 of her classmates and graduate as a member of the Class of 1999.

Susan Frisius said her daughter has come a long way from the time when educators said Melissa "was unteachable and said she needed institutionalization."

Sitting in her living room yesterday, Melissa, who was dressed in a purple T-shirt and blue jeans, said she had doubts about being able to graduate from high school until this year.

She gave credit to her mother and two teachers who encouraged her, health educator Dianna Garibian and math teacher Michelle Bussiere. Melissa said both teachers were always there for her.

Bussiere said she helped Melissa in the same way she helps all of her students, by telling them to do what they know they are capable of doing.

Melissa had to work very, very hard to get to where she is today," said Bussiere. "I wish her the best."

Melissa was officially adopted by Susan Frisius when she was 15. The girl had been living with her for five years. Because she was a foster child and bounced from home to home at a young age, Susan Frisius said she had emotional issues that made learning difficult in elementary school, causing some educators to question her abilities.

"She's been in tons of foster homes, You can't expect a kid to come in and not need extra help" said Susan Frisius. "They didn't feel she was worth it and I still get angry thinking about it."

Susan Frisius was able to get Melissa, who she says has a normal IQ, in a mainstreamed classroom with the help of a social worker at River Valley Counseling Center.

"She's done very well. She really applied herself," said Susan Frisius

Melissa started high school in special education classes. Although she described the transition to regular classes as "hard," she said it wasn't too difficult for her to do.

Susan Frisius' other daughter is Rachael Frisius-Henderson. Although Rachael is a year younger than Melissa, Melissa said she thinks of her as her older sister.

This summer, Melissa will work at Food Mart, but is considering enrolling at Springfield Technical Community College to study nursing. She will also volunteer this summer at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

While at the high school, Melissa also attended the Career and Technical Education Center, a vocational school in Chicopee, where she studied landscaping. She was also student of the month for March at the vocational school.

On Sunday, Susan, Rachael, an aunt and Melissa's birth mother will watch her walk across the stage of the Mount Holyoke College amphitheater to receive her diploma.

"I just feel lucky I have (Susan) for my mom," said Melissa.

Susan Frisius has been a foster mother to many handicaped children over the years. Melissa has also helped her mother care for the children.

Staff photo by Mark M. Murray

Graduating senior Melissa Frisius of South Hadley holds her high school yearbook
with Susan Frisius, her adoptive mother.

To see my sister Joan, please click on me!

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