Oklahoma Student With Cerebral Palsy Graduates High School, His Surprise To His Classmates?

A high school senior with cerebral palsy walked for the first time to receive his diploma. He surprised all his classmates and even school officials who all witnessed this achievement.

Fox News said the Okmulgee High School student Micah McDade stood from his wheelchair and walked to receive his diploma last May 20 in a ceremony in his hometown Oklahoma. The senior has been bound to his wheelchair since he was born because of cerebral palsy.

It was noted that the student was seen being wheeled into the stage but was asked to stand when he was about to receive his diploma. He was assisted by a school official and a walker while the crowd cheered him.

Goal in life

Both his parents, as per Fox News, were in tears as they watched their son take his first couple of steps and receive his high school diploma. One of McDade's goals in life was to walk.

According to Okmulgee News, life was not easy for the young student as he had to undergo surgeries and physical therapy to overcome his illness and someday be able to walk. Some of his doctors have shut down the idea that he could walk but McDade proved them all wrong.

The student said to have prepared for this special where he planned to show everyone he could walk. He was successful and even walked the across the stage with the diploma inside his pocket.

Viral video

Daily Mail said the video (see below) of McDade walking on the stage became viral online and has been shared about 200,000 times by netizens. Even the announcer during the graduation could not help but feel emotional.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I've been doing this a long time," the announcer said. "That is the best ever!"

Okmulgee News explained that cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects a person's capacity to move. This is caused by a hampered brain development during pregnancy or birth.