LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Over 2,000 students are set to graduate from the University of Louisville this weekend at the KFC Yum! Center. A celebration made extra special for 2020 high school graduates who missed the opportunity to walk across a stage during the pandemic.
They had to transition to online classes and social distancing, but now they are getting ready for the next chapter of their lives.
Traditions never made its way into Gabrielle Runyon's life as she's had to miss out on celebrating her high school accomplishment and live with a diagnosed disability at the age of one.
"I have spinal muscular atrophy type 2," Runyon said. "We did a capitol day on the hill and I got to speak with representative John Yarmuth."
Runyon is a psychology major, music minor and an advocate for members of her community.
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"I helped find a new organization called Disabled Cards United," Runyon said. "Which is focused solely on advocacy and just being present in your disability and having allies as well."
Along side her celebrating this milestone is one of this year's Derby princesses, Paighton Brooks.
"This was actually my first time going to the official Derby, so I think getting to do it in princess fashion just made it all the better," Brooks said.
She's been a busy student becoming a graduate with a double major in political science and criminal justice.
"I'm a Porter scholar," Brooks said. "This year I served as our president. I'm a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated."
Brooks also had to deal with the pandemic during her senior year in high school.
"I think that was probably one of the most disappointing parts," Brooks said. "Not getting to sort of be with my class and actually graduate together."
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Runyon and Brooks overcame multiple obstacles during their years in college. These students have words of wisdom to share.
"The hard nights, the all nighters, the tears, all of it was definitely worth it at the end," Runyon said. "The tassel is worth the hassle."
"I would say if you're still going through it and pushing through don't give up but also learn on your friends," Brooks said. "Lean on your support system and your family to keep you going."
These young ambitious women are ready to cross the stage after years of obstacles and start the next chapter of their lives.
Both students plan to continue their education after obtaining their degrees. Brooks plans to take a break and get into law school and Runyon plans to go into grad school for her masters and hopes to also earn a doctoral degree.
The university will hosts two ceremonies tomorrow. The first at 10 a.m. and the other at 3 p.m.
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