Bethlehem teen's emotional walk across stage at graduation

BELTHLEHEM, Pa. (WPVI) -- Graduating from high school is quite an accomplishment, marking a milestone in a teenager's life and their parents'.

Just ask Jana and Jerry Brown.

Their son, Jared, is a graduating senior at Parkland High School in Allentown.

"How I feel about Jared graduating - my heart is about to explode," Jerry said.

The journey to graduation has been different for all of the students.

Walking across the stage to receive their diploma comes natural for all of these graduates.

Except Jared.

The 17-year-old was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was a baby.

He's been in a wheel chair since he was 14 and hasn't walked in over three years.

But Monday night at his graduation at Stabler Arena he wowed everyone and took his first steps in over 36 months.

Jared's big goal was simply to walk the stage to receive his own diploma.

"He did it. There's no prouder parents than Jana and I at this point," Jerry said.

Afterwards he was greeted with a hug and kiss from dad.

His mother tells us, "When he stood up and people went [gasps]. That was awesome because no one expected it."

Maybe no one else expected, but this 17-year-old knew all along he could do it.

"Don't ever give up hope," Jared said. "I feel very happy. I feel like I can do anything now."

Jared is now off to college, attending Lehigh Carbon Community College.