Determined 19-Year-Old Walks Miles to Graduation, Rewarded with Car and Full Scholarship to US University

Nineteen-year-old Corey Patrick, who walked miles to attend his high school graduation, received a brand new car and a full scholarship to Jacksonville State University for his dedication and perseverance in pursuing his education.

At just 19 years old, Corey Patrick has demonstrated remarkable commitment to his education, recently earning a full scholarship and a brand-new car as recognition for his dedication.

In 2018, Corey gained national attention when a bus driver in Alabama captured a poignant moment of him donning his graduation cap and gown, walking alone to catch a city bus en route to his high school graduation. The driver praised Corey’s determination, stating, “You tell me this ain’t determination… I was so proud of this young man!”

Throughout the years, Corey maintained a rigorous routine, waking up at 4:30 a.m. to embark on his extensive journey to Tarrant High School, where he had been a student since the fourth grade. After relocating to West End to live with his mother, Felicia White, he overcame the challenges of distance and transportation without a car.

Every morning, Corey walked over a mile just to reach the bus stop, facing additional challenges to return home after school. Some days, he wouldn’t get back until after 6 p.m., but his resolve never wavered. As his mother noted, “Corey was getting up at 4:30 in the morning and had to be at the bus stop by 5:41 a.m. Even after school, he would have to wait until 5:19 p.m. for the bus back, sometimes getting home around 6:30 or 7 p.m.”

When graduation day finally arrived, Corey, undeterred by the absence of a ride, donned his cap and gown and repeated his daily routine to attend the ceremony. “I had to do what was necessary for me to walk this year,” he shared with WBRC. “When I woke up that day, I was just happy that today was the day that I was going to walk the stage and get my diploma,” Corey expressed.

As images of Corey’s journey circulated online, offers of support began pouring in, notably from comedian Rickey Smiley, who invited Corey to his radio show. There, he announced that Corey would receive a brand-new car, and with the assistance of his team at 95.7 Jamz, Smiley helped him obtain his driver’s license.

On the show, Corey joyfully shared that he had been awarded a full ride scholarship to Jacksonville State University, where he plans to pursue a degree in computer science and programming.

Reflecting on his incredible journey, Corey expressed profound gratitude for the support he received: “I thank you all for the support, and just know that I appreciate you all. It does indeed ‘Takes A Village.’”

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION