Falmouth woman overcomes challenges to realize a dream

Tracey Newhart realized a dream when she opened Tracey’s Kitchen yesterday to sell her own prepared food.Cape Cod Times/Jenn Ireland EAST FALMOUTH — Five years ago, Tracey Newhart was at the center of the controversy over whether diplomas ought to be given to students who fail the state's MCAS exam. Newhart, who has Down syndrome, was not allowed to graduate with her 2003 Falmouth High School classmates because she failed the high-stakes test, which meant she couldn't attend the college of her choice. But she never let go of her culinary dreams. IF YOU GO Tracey's Kitchen is open every day except Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Yesterday, Newhart — now 25 — began a triumphant new chapter in her life, as she swung open the doors to her own business, Tracey's Kitchen. Standing in front of a group of about 30 friends, family... [read full story]