Asha Melville (back row in white shirt) with students of North Woodvale Primary.
Camera IconAsha Melville (back row in white shirt) with students of North Woodvale Primary. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Hillarys student says cerebral palsy won’t hold her back

Laura PondJoondalup Times

The 13-year-old St Mark’s Anglican Community School student, who has cerebral palsy, spoke to the Year 2 class about celebrating diversity.

Asha was diagnosed with the disorder at four and despite some physical challenges, is a keen dancer, singer and hard-working student.

“I wanted the kids to see that even though cerebral palsy is something I have to live with every day, it doesn’t mean I can’t achieve what I love,” she said.

“I also wanted them to understand that even though I may be a little different to them, I’m really just like everyone else, with dreams and plans and things I want to do.”

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Her final inspiring message to the class was to, “Follow your dreams, you’ll be great”.

Teacher Rachael Robertson said it was a great reinforcement of what children had been taught about diversity and acceptance.