Congrats to the Class of 2017. Graduations ceremonies were held this weekend for some local collages. Something special happened at the St. Ambrose ceremony on Saturday.

According to WQAD.com, Gerene TeKippe  was born with spina bifidia. Doctors had to close up her back when she was born because her spine was exposed and it led to nerve damage and paralysis. She has very limited use of her legs and has been in a wheelchair since the 8th grade.

Gerene's parents were in the audience Saturday when she did something that was a huge surprise. She got up and walked across the stage at the iWireless Center to receive her diploma.

She plans to return to St. Ambrose in the fall to start work towards her masters.

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