Graduate who uses wheelchair walks for first time across stage

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — A student who uses a wheelchair walked for the first time across this stage to receive his diploma from Richmond Senior High School.

Christopher Cline stood up from his wheelchair with the help of three FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital physical therapists.

Cline then walked to get his diploma from the principal.

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A spokesperson said the stadium erupted as the ceremony came to a brief pause due to the cheers and claps.

Cline was born with cerebral palsy and is non-verbal. However, the school says that does not stop him from being one of the biggest Raiders fans in the county.

He was pushed up to the edge of the stage ramp by his twin sister Caroline Cline.

“I feel honored and proud of being able to graduate with him,” Caroline Cline said.

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Cline’s mother, Becky Ward Campbell, described what it was like to watch her children receive their diplomas.

“Overwhelmingly proud and humble,” Campbell said. “I am thankful to Jesus Christ because we have always prayed for him to have moments like this and still have faith that he will once walk on his own. We believe.”

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