Oh, (baby) boy: North Carolina teen mom’s photo banned from yearbook

Caitlin Tiller's senior photo has been banned from her high school yearbook.

The hardworking teenager graduated early in December and now works 30 hours a week while taking college classes. Her photo won't be in Wheatmore High School's 2012-2013 yearbook, however, because it includes her greatest motivation: her 1-year-old son, Leelin.

"I wouldn't be the person I am today with out him," 17-year-old Tiller tells CNN.

Last summer, each senior student posed for yearbook photos with a prop of their choosing that represents them. While some students posed with sports equipment, pets or musical instruments, Tiller held her infant son in her arms.

Two days before the yearbook was to be printed, school officials announced the photo promoted teen pregnancy and wouldn't be featured in the annual tome.

Tiller, who claims the yearbook photo guidelines were unclear, argues the photo represents responsibility and love, not poor choices.

"I want everyone to see that you can make a mistake and you can overcome it. And then I don't want to say Leelin is a mistake, because he's not. But everyone bumps their heads," Tiller tells WFMY News 2.

Randolph County School officials aren't commenting on exactly why the picture was pulled, only that the yearbook should be about the student, not the student's family, and that they are standing by their decision to omit the photo.

"She took responsibility," says Tiller's mom, Karen Morgan. "They should be proud that the students are willing to stay in school and graduate and make something of their self and not try and hide it."

According to a Wheatmore High School representative, students will no longer be permitted to use props in their photos.

Tiller chose to not submit an alternative photo to the yearbook.