Girl With Down Syndrome Graduates High School... With Honors

November 17, 2017

Madison Essig, who was told at a young age that she'd never be able to read, has become the first student with Down Syndrome to graduate from a D.C. high school with a standard diploma.

madison essig down syndrome graduates honors
Photo credit: Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

Madison not only graduated high school - she did it with honors. She graduated with an A-minus grade-point average and is now preparing to attend George Mason University.

Madison's family says she is sending an important message to the disability community.

"I'm just really proud that she can serve as a symbol for the Down syndrome community of hope and of promise and of the possibilities for kids who are following," her mother, Kimberly Templeton, said.

Madison is hoping to one day help children with disabilities.

"Don't give up!" Madison said in a local news interview. "This is your moment to shine! Don't let anything stand in your way."

Watch the video below.


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoCouple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It

feel good storiesOhio Man Makes Waves With His Fully Functioning Hot Dog Boat

feel good storiesThese Are The Movie Scenes People Say Are Absolutely Flawless

feel good storiesWhy Hope Is The Key To A Meaningful Life, Backed By New Research

feel good storiesJudge Waives Parking Fines So Dad Can Keep Supporting Son’s Space Dreams

feel good storiesHungry Elephant Casually Walks Into Grocery Store For Snacks In Thailand

feel good videoWoman Tries To Help Bird, Then This Happened... And We Can't Stop Laughing

feel good videoSassy Pig Throws Hilarious Tantrum, Slams Door And Gives Mom Silent Treatment

feel good videoConcerned Momma Moose Wanders Into Alaska Firehouse

feel good videoArtist Creates Mesmerizing Optical Illusion Using Just A Marker And A Spinning Wheel

feel good videoUPS Driver Joins Teenagers On Graduation Slip ’N Slide

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me