Teenager Corey Patrick recently graduated from Tarrant High in Birmingham, Alabama.
Corey started going to Tarrant High when he was in the fourth grade. A few years back, Corey and his family moved to the West End of the city, which meant Tarrant High would be a lot farther for him. Still, Corey went to the same school because he wanted to graduate with his friends by his side.
For him to attend classes, Corey had to get up at four o’clock in the morning to walk to the correct bus stop so he wouldn’t be late for school.
On his graduation day, he followed the same routine, but was wearing his graduation gown.
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Corey’s mom, Felicia White, shared, “Even when he would get out of school he couldn’t get from that side of town until 5:19 when the bus runs back over there. So he doesn’t make it back this way until about 6:30 or 7 o’clock.”
Many were impressed with Corey’s drive and praised him for his efforts. As soon as people knew who he was, an overwhelming amount of support came his way.
Radio show host Ricky Smiley invited Corey for an interview, and a surprise. Ricky announced that he and his fellow radio hosts would be giving him a car.
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Later, the crew presented Corey with a new car, and promised him that they would help him with the insurance and getting his license.
Corey, filled with joy, said, “I want to thank everyone who made this happen for me.”
A GoFundMe page has also been set up for the teenager.
Corey is currently studying for his driver’s license and plans to take the test next month. The Tarrant High graduate will be studying at Jacksonville University where he received a full scholarship in computer science.