HARRISBURG, Pa. — Tuesday's commencement ceremony for Widener University's Commonwealth Law School was years in the making for graduate Zachary Penzone.
"It's been a hectic three years, been an amazing three years," he said. "I loved every minute at Widener."
Tuesday's ceremonies were a treat to share with his service dog, Wings.
"He's been my sidekick [over] the last five years," Zachary said.
The pair have been together for five years. However, law school was not the adversity that brought them together.
"I have retinitis pigmentosa," Zach said. "I have no peripheral or night vision."
Wings helps Zach navigate through the world and his disease, which will one day fully take his vision.
"Before Wings, I would bump into my friends walking or I would not see [and] run into things," Zach said.
Wings accompanied Zachary every day to Widener Law School where persona has taken flight. So much so, they included him as part of the class of 2024.
"Wings was Robin to Zach’s Batman," Widener Law School Professor Michael Dimino said. "Wings was a tremendous asset to the class. He was well behaved, in fact much better behaved than most students."
Dimino puts the pup at the top of the class.
"Everyone appreciated having him there," he said. "And to the extent helped Zach be in school."
"He's like Widener's unofficial mascot," Zach said. "My teachers and everybody love him even when he gets up or snores or something in class. Everybody has been so supportive of Wings."
And the job isn't done just yet, as the graduates prepare for the Bar exam in July.
Zach remains on the hunt for full-time work, knowing his best friend will be by his side.
"He’ll be in chambers, in court," Zach said. "He will be with me wherever I go."