A photo of 19-year-old Corey Patrick from Alabama went viral on social media after he was spotted catching a bus to his high school graduation in full cap and gown.
The picture surfaced last week when a passerby took the photo of him running to a bus stop in Birmingham so he could get to his graduation, Daily Mail reports.
Corey’s family does not own a car but he was determined to receive his diploma from Tarrant High School. He spent the last year waking up at 4:30 am to make the 90-minute bus ride to school. Just before his senior year, his family moved to the West End neighborhood, which is about 10 miles away. But he wanted to finish his studies with his beloved friends so he commits himself to wake up early to catch a public bus every morning.
Felicia White, Corey’s mother, said that the rest of the family eventually managed to make it to her son’s graduation in time. When Corey’s photo went viral, local radio host Rickey Smiley asked his followers to help track the teenager. He invited Corey onto his show where he announced they will be giving Corey a car in recognition of his dedication and perseverance.
We did it!! We gave Corey Patrick a car of his own!!!! pic.twitter.com/KFwwmUn7Gm
— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) May 25, 2018
“He’s a great young man. He’s very quiet, reserved, humble and he gets a little hardheaded sometimes, but he’s a very obedient child and I’m proud of Corey,” his mom said.
