14 DAY TRIAL // A Maryland high school student wanted to make sure her terminally-ill mother would see her graduate, so she asked her school's staff to hold a private graduation ceremony at her mom's bedside.
Glen Burnie High School agreed to organize an early graduation for Megan Sugg on Thursday, after her mother Darlene's condition started to rapidly deteriorate and the family realized she wouldn't live long enough to participate in her daughter's official graduation on June 10.
“I thought she might be able to make it, but the last couple days she went downhill pretty quick,” said Steve Sugg, Megan’s father.
The school's Principle, Vickie Plitt, was very impressed by Megan's story as her mother was also battling cancer, so she immediately agreed to hold the impromptu ceremony at the family's house.
According to New York Daily News, 47-year-old Darlene Sugg was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2010. She reportedly went into remission for about a year, but the cancer metastasized to her liver.
After being contacted by Megan's family, the school's officials moved very quickly to orchestrate a special graduation ceremony at her home in only one day. They brought some flowers and even a cap and gown for the girl to wear during the event.
“I was surprised they came out so fast because principals are so busy,” Megan told the local press. “It was supportive and really nice of them.”
The unofficial ceremony was a very emotional experience not only for Megan and her mother, but for the entire family, who were all present at Darlene's bedside and cheered when the high school senior moved the tassel from one side of her cap to the other.
“I was happy my mom got to see, but at the same time it was hard,” Megan said.
Principal Vickie Plitt read an emotional speech about Megan’s achievements and promising future, then handed her the well-deserved diploma.
“I know how proud her mom is of her and we really wanted to give her family a special time, and to really honor Megan, because as much as she's had going on, she's pushed through and is going to graduate high school,” she said after the private ceremony.
The family then posed for photographs with the newly graduate student, who can be seen with tears in her eyes and holding the graduation certificate near her mother's bed. Darlene Sugg passed away on Saturday.