ATLANTA — Hospital staff at Piedmont Columbus Regional teamed up with Troup County School System to throw a surprise high school graduation ceremony for one student who was unable to walk across the stage.
Staff said they were caring for 17-year-old Anja McCord, a Callaway High School student, who was recently run over by a car.
Because of her injuries, Anja couldn't walk across the stage at her high school graduation. So, hospital staff contacted the school system to organize the surprise, creating a moment Anja and her family will cherish for years.
According to the hospital, staff set up a live stream in Anja's room the night before so she could watch her classmates walk and cheer them on.
Then, the next day, Anja went to the hospital's conference center for what she assumed would be a simple Zoom meeting with her principal. But when she got there, she found a room filled with staff, friends, family, and school officials.
According to Piedmont, the graduation song began playing as soon as Anja was wheeled in. School leaders also held a makeshift graduation ceremony for her, complete with her diploma and honor cords. The school district's superintendent and principal even gave commencement speeches.
Hospital staff hosted a reception afterward with cake, appetizers and punch.