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‘She's my best friend': Riding horse to graduation a dream come true for Saint John high school student
Kenzie Simmons and her horse Blondie at Simonds High School's graduation ceremony in Saint John on June 19, 2024. (Nick Moore/CTV Atlantic)
A student in Saint John was riding high when she received her high school diploma Thursday thanks to a special guest.
Kenzie Simmons was taken to the graduation stage at Simonds High School by her horse Blondie.
'I'm just so glad I could bring her,' said Kenzie, standing next to Blondie shortly after receiving her diploma. 'She's my best friend.'
The 17-year-old said she's always had a dream of being able to ride a horse to collect her diploma.
'It felt like it was something I needed to do,' she said. 'I didn't want to go out any other way.'
Krista Simmons, Kenzie's mother, knew the request would mean a great deal to her daughter.
'Kenzie is autistic, she's struggled with school very much the last few years,' said Simmons. 'Her whole world is her horse, and her happy place is the barn. That's when you see her smile.'
Kenzie and her family asked school principal Jennifer Carhart about bringing Blondie to the event. The family and Carhart put a plan together to make the dream happen.
'It's what it's all about as teachers,' said Carhart. 'Giving kids opportunities, watching them succeed, and being there to support them.'
Kenzie said the relief and joy of receiving her high school diploma was made all the sweeter because Blondie was there.
'It's definitely going to be a big moment that I'll remember for a long time,' she said. 'I'll probably remember it until I'm old and grey, hopefully.'
graduation
Kenzie Simmons receives her high school diploma from Simonds High School principal Jennifer Carhart in Saint John on June 19, 2024. (Nick Moore/CTV Atlantic)
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