Jewell Shemwell was one of the roughly 70 seniors who attended the drive-up diploma distribution ceremony at Heritage Park High School Wednesday afternoon.
The non-traditional graduation was a rite of passage for some students, but to Jewell, there’s a more symbolic significance. The 18-year-old is the first female in her family to receive a high school diploma.
“A lot of people doubted me from day one, so it’s kind of a big accomplishment to really get that diploma,” she said.
Jewell said achieving her goal of graduating from high school broke a “generational curse.”
Heritage Park senior Jewell Shemwell receives her diploma. Read her story at https://t.co/bcHpkBH2H2. pic.twitter.com/pVxmmsP60x
— Owensboro Times (@OwensboroTimes) May 21, 2020
“It’s a very special moment, I’m very proud,” said Jewell’s mother, Dratasse Shemwell. “It’s long overdue.”
Dratasse said her daughter faced some hurdles, including an illness and a car wreck, before reaching this point.
“It has been a tough walk the last four years, so this means a lot,” Dratasse said. “She pushed through, so she’s actually the first girl in my family to graduate.”
Jewell’s family and friends came out in several vehicles to see her celebrate the accomplishment.
Jewell said she plans to attend a community college to get an associate’s degree before deciding the rest of her future.
“I’m feeling a little bit of mixed emotions, very excited, nervous, just seeing what the future holds for me after I get my diploma,” she said.
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