By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Taylor Morerod of Overland Park was having anxiety problems when her mother helped her find Centre’s Kansas Online Learning Program to continue her education.

“I was struggling with being around people,” Taylor said. “I like being alone.”

She began studying online as a seventh grader. She and 11 other KOLP students received their high school diplomas Sunday at Centre’s commencement.

“It was not easy,” she said. “I’ve been behind every semester, and I worked hard at the end.”

She avoided English and math until forced to do it.

KOLP director Vickie Jirak kept in contact with Taylor to make sure she was getting the work done.

“My mom was definitely a big help,” Taylor said. “She encouraged me to continue and helped me with my mental health.”

Suffering from an eating disorder, she was sent to a treatment center for two months while taking five classes.

“I had just one hour a day to do my schooling,” she said.

Despite the challenges, she persisted and now is ready to go on to the next step.

“It’s going to be another thing after this, like college,” she said.

She wants to become a social worker who focuses on child psychology.

Johnson County Community College is near her home. She plans to go there for two years and then attend Kansas State University.

Her family members support her, as evidenced by their presence at her graduation. They include her mother, Lisa Dye; her father, Eric Morerod; and her stepfather, Kevin Dye. Her boyfriend also attended.

“She could be a role model,” Kevin Dye said.

Lisa Dye praised her daughter for her determination.

“Taylor had to rely on herself,” she said. “She didn’t have a teacher to help her.”

Altogether, 55 students graduated from the online program.