Brain injury is no obstacle to senior's graduation plans

Sam Cavanaugh gets a kiss from his father, Bruce, and congratulations from his mother, Beth, after receiving his high-school diploma Monday afternoon. Cavanaugh, 19, was riding in a car Feb. 5 when it was struck by another vehicle in Port Townsend. Cavanaugh was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center for brain surgery and rehabilitation. His treatment included a cranioectomy, in which a section of his skull was removed and stored. When his brain returns to normal, the section will be replaced.

While at Harborview, he finished his senior project so he could graduate. He presented his project to Port Townsend High School counselor Marcus Sather at the hospital Monday afternoon. The project, describing his life so far, also discussed his desire to pursue a wilderness career.

— Mike Siegel, Seattle Times staff photographer