Tennessee's Dickson County High School recently staged a special graduation ceremony for one of its most persevering students. Peyton Arnold, 19, finally got his diploma after battling leukemia three times in the last seven years.
According to ABC News, Peyton was unable to graduate with his classmates in 2015 due to the recurrence of his leukemia, a disease he was first diagnosed with back in 2009. Last year was a gruelling stretch for Peyton as he had to endure radiation therapy, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
Despite all that, Peyton continued his education by attending classes virtually and by diligently catching up on school work. His leukemia recurred this January, but nothing could stop him from earning his diploma.
Just this month, Dickson County informed the Arnolds that Peyton had enough credits to graduate in May. School officials said he could walk with fellow graduates two months from now or have an early graduation ceremony all to himself.
The Arnolds picked the latter due to Peyton's condition and as a way of honoring their hardworking son. "We didn't know they were going to do anything like that," said Penny Arnold. "They went and made it as natural as they could. A lot of his classmates from 2015 they took off from their jobs and the 2016 class walked as well."
The Tennessean reported that a charity basketball game raised $25,500 for Peyton while Tater Shack donated $4,500 for the teen's medication. Penny was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from the community, but it was Peyton who was the most delighted person in Dickson that day.
"He said, 'That was one of the best days I had. It was just really great,'" said Penny about her son. "He said, 'I can't believe I finally have my diploma. I really want to get that done.'"
