On Friday, Oklahoma high school graduate Micah McDade accomplished two amazing milestones.
Not only did McDade accept his diploma that day, but the graduate—who was born with cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects movement, muscle tone or posture—walked for the first time in public in order to receive his certificate, the Okmulgee News Network reports.
The graduate had been working on his walk for months, according to the report. After being rolled to the on-field stage at Harmon Stadium in his wheelchair, McDade stood up before using a walker to cross the stage. As soon as he got to his feet, his classmates started cheering in a roaring standing ovation.
According to the report, McDade’s parents, Mark and Anisa McDade, cried in the moment, having witnessed their son’s many trials and triumphs since birth, including being subject to multiple surgeries and hours of physical therapy throughout his life.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been doing this a long time. That was the best ever!” the announcer said over the public-address system.
Read more at the Okmulgee News Network.