Daywatch: A high school graduation ceremony held at Lurie Children's

Chicago Tribune

22-05-2025

Good morning, Chicago.
It had all the makings of a typical graduation party. Blue and yellow streamers lined the room. Signs were posted on the walls that said 'Congrats Grad 2025,' 'You did it' and 'Made the grade.' In the back, there was a table full of Chips Ahoy and Oreos and even a cake that read 'Congratulations Taevion' in blue frosting.
Except, the party was held on the 22nd floor of Lurie Children's Hospital in honor of one of the hospital's patients: 18-year-old Taevion Norris. He had been attending West Leyden High School in Northlake when his senior year was suddenly interrupted in March due to heart failure, forcing him to spend the tail end of his final year of high school in the hospital.
But Norris refused to let his condition stop him from graduating on time — and succeeded. Yesterday, Norris — wearing a blue cap and gown — was handed his diploma. Graduation music played in the background as he traversed from one end of the hospital hallway into the room of the ceremony.
Read the full story and see photos from the ceremony.
And here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including an effort in Dolton to force the purchase of Pope Leo XIV's childhood home, a look into the archives at a passenger who lit dynamite on a plane that departed from O'Hare and a review of Disney's latest live-action remake.
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