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Published: 2022-02-15 18:55:00 Updated: 2022-02-15 19:00:21
Posted February 15, 2022 6:55 p.m. EST Updated February 15, 2022 7:00 p.m. EST
By Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter
Sanford, N.C. — High school graduation season is still several months away, but a student in Lee County turned his tassel early.
Elijah Woods is a senior at Southern Lee High School. And like most teenagers, he dreamed of the day he would don the cap and gown. He even completed his coursework while spending a lot of time in the hospital.
He had planned to graduate with the rest of his class in June, but at just 18 years old, Woods has been told he has only a few days – perhaps a few weeks – to live.
His mom, Sharonda Woods, knew Elijah couldn't miss this milestone.
"His dream or wish was to have a real graduation. He's been working hard to graduate," she says. "But I knew he wasn't going to make it all the way."
Woods has a rare disease called Fanconi anemia, which mainly affects the bone marrow and decreases production of all types of blood cells. He's also suffered from tongue cancer.
"Doctors said they couldn't do anything else for him," says his mother.
His older brother Anthony says this school has been his guiding light through a lifetime of sickness.
"A way for him to be a normal kid," he says. "He always wanted to be like a normal kid: Go to prom. Go to a first job. Get a girlfriend. Do all the teenager stuff. And this was one of his ways to get those things done."
After learning the news, his school put together a commencement ceremony – just for him.
The proud and emotional notes of "Pomp and Circumstance" plays from a smart phone. Every eye begins to tear up.
Balloons and signs proclaim: Congrats, Grad! You did it!
There are pictures, smiles, tears.
There are words from friends, teachers, admirers.
"He can light up the room," says his principal Molly Poston. "Every morning, he'd come in and say 'hey Miss Poston!' and he always had a fist bump."
His name is called: Elijah Sharrone Woods, class of 2022.
The diploma is given. The declaration is made. The determined graduate who worked so hard, looking handsome in cap and gown, with his family gathered around, beaming with pride.
Congrats on graduating, Elijah. You did it.
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