Westlake High's No. 1 Fan Cheered, Gets Diploma

Westlake High School’s number one fan, Chad DiLillo, got the sendoff of a lifetime March 28. Chad, who turns 22 while on spring break next year, will “age out” of the public school system.

He’ll take a quick vacation to Florida before returning back to Westlake as a full-time employee of Bridges Rehabilitation Services in Bedford Heights and as Westlake High School’s no. 1 alumni fan.

Chad had his own cheering section on Thursday as hundreds, including parents Connie and Gary DiLillo, lined the halls of the school and Westlake’s own Superfan, led the band through the hallways.

“It’s very amazing,” Chad said before being presented with a host of gifts, from a lacrosse jersey, a poster declaring him a superfan and a photo of the Demon cheerleaders.

Chad has been present at more sporting event than any other season ticket holder for the past several years. He’s often found on the sidelines leading the cheering section and on occasion in the locker rooms, of his favorite team: the Westlake Demons.

In 2012 he retired as the Westlake baseball bat boy.

Chad also received one final gift: his high school diploma. He walked across the stage with his class in 2010, but with requirements met, he was officially made a Westlake High School graduate.

“And today, March 27, 2013, Dr. Keenan is here to present Chad with his high school diploma he earned,” principal Tim Freeman said.

But just because he is now a graduate, doesn’t mean he won’t be present at future games.

“He’ll be coming back for more,” his father said.