Student Paralyzed In Crash Walks Across Stage For Graduation

PLANT CITY, FL -- It was a moment that Durant High School senior Kolton "Kole" Smith had doubts he'd ever experience. As fellow members of the Class of 2019 gave him a standing ovation, Smith stood up from his wheelchair and walked across the stage Saturday to accept his high school diploma.

At age 17, Smith was a rising star on the Durant High School football team. He weighed 300 pounds and played offensive lineman. He dreamed of entering the military after high school.

Those dreams were literally crushed on the afternoon of June 29, 2018. Smith was driving home from his girlfriend's house when he lost control on the rain-drenched road. His pickup truck flipped over and Smith, who wasn't wearing his seat belt, was ejected.

He was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital where doctors discovered his back was broken, and he was paralyzed.

He required surgery to repair broken vertebrae with pins and was warned that his chances of walking again were uncertain.

Less than a year later, Smith, who still depends on a wheelchair most of the time, was able to walk across the stage with crutches to accept his diploma.

Smith said he didn't even notice the standing ovation from his classmates.

"I was just focused on walking. I looked at my feet. I didn't even know everyone was standing," he said.

He was joined on stage by his football coach, Wesley Wyatt, who was prepared to push Smith across the stage in his wheelchair, if necessary.

Smith didn't need it.

"I heard everyone scream when I stood up. I was like 'woah!' I just smiled. I couldn't do anything but smile," said Smith.

Smith now plans to attend Southeastern University and earn a business degree.

He's become an advocate of seat belts and an example to others that the human spirit can overcome the biggest of obstacles with perseverance.

His family has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for his medical and rehabilitation expenses.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.