Piedmont Columbus Regional hospital staff and the Troup County School System hosted a surprise high school graduation ceremony on May 24 for a student medically unable to attend her graduation.

Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown staff were caring for 17-year-old Anja McCord, a Callaway High School student, who was recently run over by a car. Because of her injuries, the patient missed the opportunity to walk across the stage at her high school graduation. Staff contacted the school system and organized a surprise graduation with school system officials and her family— creating a lasting memory for the patient. 

The night before, staff setup a livestream in Anja's hospital room so she could watch her classmates walk across the stage and cheer them on. The next day, Anja thought she was just going to the hospital’s Conference Center to have a Zoom meeting with the principal and school officials to discuss her graduation situation. 

She was in for a big surprise: staff escorted her into the room, which was filled with staff from throughout the hospital, her family, friends and school system officials! The Pomp and Circumstance graduation song began playing as Anja was wheeled in and she was overcome with emotion. School leaders had a makeshift graduation ceremony for her complete with her diploma and honor cords. There were even commencement speeches from the school district superintendent and principal. Hospital staff hosted a reception following the ceremony with cake, appetizers and punch.