A blind student graduated from high school as valedictorian – an honor reserved for students who achieve the highest grades.
Jalen Ballard gave a recorded commencement speech at his graduation from Toledo, Ohio, high school as part of his honor as valedictorian.
According to Fox13 News, Ballard was born with bilateral microphthalmia and had cataracts removed from his eyes when he was just three months old.
The talented 18-year-old, who only sees light and darkness, graduated with a grade point average of 4.638.
Jalen was accepted to the University of Michigan after receiving the prestigious Lighthouse Guild Scholarship, reserved for exceptional students who are legally blind.
According to Fox13 News, he plans to study computer science at the school’s College of Engineering.
“Students like Jalen and others, give us that daily, gentle reminder to think of others first,” said a school spokesman.
What Jalen has achieved should serve to inspire us all. I’m sure he will continue to do great things and we wish him all the best.
