Fighting for others

If you want to see Danielle Lucchesi-Fellguth do something, tell her she can’t.

Nothing gets the 18-year-old Capuchino High School senior revved up more than being told she can’t do something. In fact, she gets a bit extra chatty when mentioning moments in which that’s been the case. Actually, people saying she can’t do things are really the inspiration for what she hopes to do — be a lawyer for those with disabilities.

Lucchesi-Fellguth knows a thing or two about disabilities. Despite being in a wheelchair, she’s found comfort on stage in dance, enjoys being argumentative and volunteering for organizations that fight for the rights of others.

She’s always had a good positive attitude, said her mother Julie Lucchesi.

Her mom isn’t the only one who noticed.

"Danielle is one of the most unique individuals I have encountered,” wrote her case manager Sharon Bleviss, who works with Lucchesi-Fellguth due to her cerebral palsy. "Danielle’s dogged pursuit of achievement is unique, and she can be quite driven. She sets high standards for herself, and is determined to overcome obstacles in her way. Indeed, she dreams of pursuing a career as a disabilities advocate. Ultimately, despite having a tendency to take on potentially too much, Danielle remains an excellent student with a good sense of humor, a creative force, a good friend, a role model, a force of nature.”

At the suggestion of others, Lucchesi-Fellguth entered an integrated dance class in Oakland at 7 or 8 years old. While attending Crestmoor Elementary School, Lucchesi-Fellguth got on stage despite her fear. She conceded, as a youngster, sometimes she needed a push to get started. That subsided once Lucchesi-Fellguth got older. It was through dance that Lucchesi-Fellguth was introduced to theater, which was also a fit for her. She has since dabbled in assisting with directing.

Leadership opportunities — like attending the National Youth Leadership State Conference — were springboards for other opportunities. Making connections and seeing the impact people working together can make was inspiring for Lucchesi-Fellguth. She was hooked on advocacy work. Given her own experience, working with groups like Youth Organized Disabled and Proud hit home for Lucchesi-Fellguth. As a result, she made friends who have already reached out a helping hand to get Lucchesi-Fellguth settled once she moves to Berkeley in the fall.

On top of her outside activities, Lucchesi-Fellguth is also part of the International Baccalaureate program, a two-year internationally recognized educational program for high school students.

This fall, the IB diploma candidate Lucchesi-Fellguth will follow other great disability leaders to study at Berkeley in hopes of one day becoming a disability rights attorney.

"There is no one, to this day, who can tell me what I can’t do,” she said.

But, Lucchesi-Fellguth has seen others be told they can’t do something and weren’t strong enough to react with such conviction. That’s why Lucchesi-Fellguth hopes to become a lawyer.

Before embarking on her new academic challenges, Lucchesi-Fellguth will be going to New York on a birthday trip during which she and her mom will take in a number of shows.

Capuchino’s graduation will be held at noon Friday, June 1 on the school’s football field. Tickets are required.

Great Grads is in its seventh year profiling one graduating senior from each of our local schools. Schools have the option to participate. Those that choose to participate are asked to nominate one student who deserves recognition.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by email: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.