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Luna gets doctorate
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KNOXVILLE — In February 2010, a disgruntled teacher shot Inskip Elementary School principal Elisa Luna and assistant principal Amy Brace. Brace recovered fully from a gunshot wound to the head, but Luna suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed.Despite this, both educators returned to their jobs at Inskip within six months.On Thursday – only 15 months after the shooting – Luna and Brace further demonstrated their dedication and perseverance when they received their doctorates in leadership studies in education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Both participated in the graduate hooding ceremony in Thompson-Boling Assembly Center & Arena.Although they yearned for a private celebration, Luna and Brace said they realized their presence at the hooding ceremony would garner public attention.“We want to show the community we are doing better,” said Luna, who donned leg braces and stood, balanced by Brace, for her graduation portrait.