Spalding County

Ga. student who didn't think he'd graduate, now has surprise for teacher

Jamias Howard and Kimberly Wimbish after graduation. (Credit: Kimberly Wimbish) 

SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — It was an emotional moment when special education teacher Kimberly Wimbish captured the moment one of her students, Jamias Howard, 19, graduated from high school.

The Griffin High School student,wearing the cap and gown his teacher hand-delivered, proudly walked across the stage Saturday, surrounded by a whole crowd of people cheering him on from the stands.

Channel 2's Kimberly Richardson first told you about the Georgia duo on Monday -- and since then, their amazing story has gone viral.

In a touching Facebook video, the devoted teacher is shown surprising her student with his cap and gown.

“Oh man, thank you,” Howard told Wimbish.“Congratulations,” she replied through the car window.

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"Appreciate it, ma’am. I love you so much,” an overwhelmed Howard said. “Thank you so much for everything you do for me. Appreciate it.”

After his devoted teacher reminded him about his graduation rehearsal at 8 a.m., Howard can be seen wiping away tears as he once again told her, “I love you so much.”

And it was just as emotional of a day Saturday as was Monday.

The proud teacher and mother explains it was an incredible day for her. Not only did Howard graduate, but her own son did in the same ceremony.

“I felt like I had two sons graduating,” she said.

To top it off, Wimbish told Richardson that Howard already has a job interview lined up for Monday.

Wimbish has set up a GoFundMe page to help Howard raise money to attend technical school. More than $17,813 has been raised in less than a week.