For a young woman some believed would never walk, Shakira Brown has taken some big steps recently.

The most significant were the ones she took unassisted across the stage at Chesapeake High School's graduation on June 6. There, the 21-year-old woman with cerebral palsy received her high school certificate of completion.

"Everybody clapped," she said.

Ms. Brown is one of 10 county students who finished high school this year at 21, the legal limit. A few received diplomas. Many, like Ms. Brown, have a disability and received certificates of completion instead.

The certificates are awarded to students who do not have...