‘I did it Dad’: Graduate’s goal will bring tears to your eyes

This story may make your sinuses act up so grab some tissues...

Katharine Clark was born with cerebral palsy and is considered a quadriplegic.

Despite those physical challenges, she completed her coursework on time, while singing in choir, and also competing in both the Special Olympics and 4H events.

But, this girl took it even further...

When she was young, her father promised to carry her everywhere, but he died suddenly in 2007. So, she wondered how she could make him proud.

With help from others, she secured special equipment that helped her stand and eventually walk - but it took a full two years of work!

“Everything she does on a day to day basis is double the energy than we would need,” said her grandmother, Linda Clark.

But Katherine never let it get her down and at the start of her freshman year, she set a goal for herself to walk across the stage on graduation day.

“I want to make my dad proud,” said Katherine.

Friday night as her name was called, with tears streaming down her cheeks, she walked across the stage and picked up her own diploma along with the rest of the Columbia Raiders.

On top of her cap were four simple words written in sparkling glitter, “I did it Dad.”

And the beautiful girl with the big smile had one simple message for everyone out there who might be facing challenges. She said, “Just try.”

I found this story so inspirational and figured I'd share. There are a few high school students (and others) I'd like to send it to....JUST TRY!

fox8.com...

It's amazing how people can have everything handed to them and still end up not caring. It really is inspirational when someone against all odds has the inner strength to envision and accomplish a goal. Especially, after they turn around and try to inspire others!

a reply to: RealLife

That's what's wrong with this upside down world - people are rewarded even idolized (I refuse to even type the name but first and last begin with K) for the stupidest sh#* and REAL in your face heroes get little recognition. Obviously, this thread is a prime example - If said cerebral palsy victim had been beaten by a cop or killed by her family - people would be paying attention.

We're just too hard wired for doom porn and we desperately need to go in another direction.

sniffle. awww. what a cutie.