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Scott High School senior gets surprise graduation parade on his birthday

He wasn't able to hear the horns blaring, but that didn't stop him from enjoying the honor.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Scott High School's K'Shaun Gilmer is a multi-sport athlete who got the surprise of a lifetime since he, like all other high school seniors, won't get an actual graduation.

The surprise came in the form of a car parade to celebrate that important milestone, but this experience is different than most - K'Shaun is deaf. 

"I started hearing. I could feel the horns blowing and everything and I just got really excited," K'Shaun Gilmer said.

The vibrations from the noise was what made him realize the cars along the street were for him.

The parade wasn't the original plan. Gilmer's graduation party was supposed to be held in June, but they changed it because of everything going on and, additionally, it's his birthday.

"I actually planned on having a much bigger celebration that this but, me being his mom, I always go all-out for him for his birthday and stuff. So, I thought of this and the city turned out for my baby," K'Shaun's mother, Caniecia Arney, said.

She says it's a blessing to see how many people support him and it showed with the amount of people celebrating.

Although plans had to change, she is happy with how everything turned out and so is K'Shaun.

"It's great just to have all my family here gathered for me today. My friends from Scott, all came here for me today," Gilmer said.

Scott H.S. will have its virtual graduation this Wednesday and drive-thru graduation at the beginning of June.

Gilmer says now that high school is wrapping up, he plans on going to Ohio State and majoring in culinary arts.

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