Graduations don't take place until late spring but a teen from Long Beach High School was granted early graduation rites for his dad's sake. Alfred Le'Cap, 69, watched his son, Noah Le'Cap, graduating in their driveway as the rest of the family, teachers and school administrators watched. Le'Cap is dying and might not live long to see Noah get his high school diploma in May.
Alfred has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was told by doctors he doesn't have much time. One of his biggest concerns was about Noah's graduation so his older daughters, Marissa "Ana" Hannah and Sita Le'Cap, made arrangements with Noah's school to grant their father this gift. The school administrators did not hesitate.
"They put everything together on their end in like, under five days," Sita said, according to Sun Herald. Their father's hospice center, Notre Dame Ministries, also helped mount the family event.
On Friday, Feb. 3, Alfred witnessed Noah's graduation in their garage. Principal Larry Ramsey also gave his commencement speech and Noah, who wore his toga, got to do his graduation toss.
The teenager also received his diploma, which he offered on his dad's lap along with his mortar board. There were no dry eyes among those in attendance. "Considering the circumstances, I felt like if we can bring a little joy to a family, then we're happy to do that," the principal said, according to CNN.
Noah said he's having a difficult time processing his father won't be there to see him off to college, or land his first job, or get married. He admitted he couldn't focus in school but he knew he needed to work hard for his father.
"I'm supposed to graduate for him," the teenager said. Next school year, Noah plans to study nursing at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, according to WLOX.
