Wilmington Father Fights to Have Son Recognized at Graduation

A Wilmington father is fighting to have his son recognized at Wilmington High School graduation next month and he’s hoping school officials can make it happen. The family is meeting with school officials on Wednesday, where a final decision could be made.

Michael Murphy’s life changed forever back on June 18, 2001, just before entering his freshman year of high school when he was walking across the field behind Town Hall to meet up with his friends when he suffered cardiac arrest. His friends found him face down on the ground, and no one knows how long he was there for. He was rushed to Winchester Hospital before being moved to Boston Children’s Hospital. Michael suffered a severe brain injury from the incident.

Today Michael is making some progress. According to a CBS Boston report, he’s able to move his arm and swallow on his own and his family wants to see him graduate with his classmates when they receive their diplomas next month.

The Wilmington School Department told Michael’s family he doesn’t meet state and local graduation requirements. Because of that they are not allowed to issue him an award or diploma, Superintendent Mary DeLai told CBS Boston.

Right now the family has been invited to the ceremony as guests, but they want more. “We want him to be acknowledged they are saying everyone else’s name too,” Michael’s father Michael Murphy told the television station.

Michael’s family is expected to meet with school officials Wednesday to make a final decision. Wilmington Public Schools Superintendent Mary DeLai said they are working with the family to recognize Michael would have been part of the Class of 2015.

Read and watch the full report from CBS Boston >>>