RED LION, Pa. -- Despite a social media campaign by students and the community, Red Lion senior Gregg Thibault did not get to walk at his graduation ceremony.
Thibault sat in the stands Wednesday night, watching his classmates receive their diplomas. He finished the school year 1.6 credits shy of the graduation requirements.
Thibault missed nearly 50 days of class because of a medical condition.
His classmates started a Twitter trend as a plea to school administrators to let him walk.
Thibault says even though they wouldn't let him participate in the ceremony, he is grateful for the support he received from his peers.
"My feelings are extremely hurt but I still have to be strong and be here to support my friends that have been with me for the last four years," says Thibault. "That's what's most important right now."
"I was devastated," says Thibault's mother Yvette. "I prayed up until the 24th hour but I felt it necessary to come and still support the other graduates because they're all my kids and I want to be here for them."
Thibault says he will finish his graduation requirements during the summer. He will attend West Virginia University in the fall, where he plans to major in nursing.