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Buhach Colony senior Eric Baker who was told he'd never walk again after he broke his neck and crushed his skull in a diving accident last fall stands long enough to accept his diploma between his teeth during the Buhach Colony graduation Thursday, June 4th, 2009.
With all the graduations happening that night, Marci and I were sent out to divide and conquer. James Burns had already been following Eric in his columns so we all knew he was going to try and stand. We just didn't know if he would.
One thing was for sure...We did not want to miss it! But I nearly did...
I bolted about 1/2 way through the Atwater graduation only to find my car blocked in. I had seen some people walk in after me. I had no idea if it was their car but I went after them...luckily it was.
When I pulled into Buhach I could hear the names already being called but there was nowhere to park! I finally parked on the grass and sprinted in there just in time to hear "Eric Baker". I hadn't even identified where the stage was yet. I just started running down an aisle, leaping over roped off areas and yelling out "Excuse me, I'm sorry". I got to the stage just as Eric was wheeling up the ramp. The crowds were going crazy!
It probably took him a good 2 minutes to stand but he did it! There was a huge crowd with enormous emotion pouring out from them.
People were talking about it for weeks after.
It's one of those moments as a photojournalist that I'll never forget.
Buhach Colony senior Eric Baker who was told he'd never walk again after he broke his neck and crushed his skull in a diving accident last fall stands long enough to accept his diploma between his teeth during the Buhach Colony graduation Thursday, June 4th, 2009.
With all the graduations happening that night, Marci and I were sent out to divide and conquer. James Burns had already been following Eric in his columns so we all knew he was going to try and stand. We just didn't know if he would.
One thing was for sure...We did not want to miss it! But I nearly did...
I bolted about 1/2 way through the Atwater graduation only to find my car blocked in. I had seen some people walk in after me. I had no idea if it was their car but I went after them...luckily it was.
When I pulled into Buhach I could hear the names already being called but there was nowhere to park! I finally parked on the grass and sprinted in there just in time to hear "Eric Baker". I hadn't even identified where the stage was yet. I just started running down an aisle, leaping over roped off areas and yelling out "Excuse me, I'm sorry". I got to the stage just as Eric was wheeling up the ramp. The crowds were going crazy!
It probably took him a good 2 minutes to stand but he did it! There was a huge crowd with enormous emotion pouring out from them.
People were talking about it for weeks after.
It's one of those moments as a photojournalist that I'll never forget.
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