Watching her child graduate from high school is a coveted moment for any mother. For one local mom, it was her last dying wish. When Tammy Rogers’ two-year battle with colon cancer took a turn for the worse in mid-April, her family feared she wouldn’t survive long enough to watch the youngest of her two children receive his diploma. “It was very important for my wife to see our son graduate before she passed away,” acknowledged Danny Rogers. And a generous and unprecedented move by the Warrenton High School administration helped make it possible. On April 16, at the request of the family, counselor Tonya McDaniel approached principal Jeremy Way about holding an impromptu ceremony for Chris Rogers. Without hesitation, she says, a decision was made to expedite the process. Later that afternoon, five representatives from the school district joined around 30 relatives and friends at the Rogers’ home. “It was a wonderful surprise,” said Danny. “Beyond what I ever expected.” A ceremony was held in the foyer at Tammy’s bedside, with teachers clad in traditional black gowns sharing encouraging words and speeches about Chris’ accomplishments. “It was very moving,” Danny recalled. “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.” Assistant Principal Sharyl Kelsch presented Chris with his diploma following the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance." He was also awarded the honor of Most Outstanding Vocal Music Student from instructor Jarrod Hendricks. “It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever been a part of,” said Chris. “It made me proud to be from Warrenton, knowing our school would go out of its way to do something like that for us.” McDaniel says she understood the significance of the circumstance and acted out of compassion, although the school had never made such an exception in the past. “Who cares if it had ever been done before,” asserted McDaniel. “We knew that’s what we needed to do. It was the simplest thing we could have done.” The Rogers’ family expressed sincere gratitude toward the school for facilitating the ceremony and also supplying Chris with a complimentary prom ticket and yearbook. “Honestly, it meant the world to me,” expressed Chris. While he will also participate in the actual commencement on May 18, Chris says allowing his mother to be a part of the experience helped provide closure. “It made my mom feel like her work was complete,” he acknowledged. “She told me she was proud of me.” Tammy passed away a week later at home. “She put up a fight,” said Chris. “That’s for sure.” Memorable Moment