May 28, 2019
Future Soldier Enjoys Graduation From Hospital
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. —
A hospital courtyard was turned into a makeshift graduation stage for a high school senior whose illness kept him for graduating alongside fellow members of his senior class.
Justin Dees had hoped to join fellow seniors at William Blount High School Monday during graduation ceremonies. However, an illness kept him at Knoxville's East Tennessee Children's Hospital throughout this week.
Thanks to fast work by hospital staff and local U.S. Army recruiters, Dees was formally presented with his diploma Monday night. Dees briefly exchanged hospital garb for a cap and gown as a piano was rolled in and a volunteer played "Pomp and Circumstances."