CORAL GABLES, FLA. (WSVN) - Graduation night for South Dade Senior High’s class of 2016 was a bittersweet occasion without their principal in attendance to cheer them on.
It has been an emotional year for South Dade students, and several seniors spent most of the year focused on helping their principal, Javier Perez, who lost his legs after he was struck by drunk driver.
A photo of the principal was displayed on a large screen during the ceremony, held Monday night at the University of Miami BankUnited Center in Coral Gables. “There is no one who cares more deeply about this community, about these students, about this school, about his family than Javier Perez,” said Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, as he addressed the crowd.
Students also heard from Perez himself through a letter he wrote to the class of 2016. The school’s assistant principal, Juan De Armas, read it to the audience. “I wish you the very best this world has to offer,” he said as he read the letter, “and remember, no matter where your path may lead you in life, there is no peer to a Buccaneer. Congratulations and best wishes.”
In April, Perez’s world was turned upside down in an instant. While he was coaching his son’s little league baseball game, he was run down by a woman who, police said, was driving drunk.
His injuries were so severe that doctors had to amputate his legs. He is still recovering at Kendall Regional Medical Center.
About 800 people turned out on Sunday for a 5K run aimed at helping Perez. His wife, Maytee Perez, addressed the crowd during that event. “Javi and I are truly humbled by the generosity and are overcome with gratitude,” she said.
During Monday’s ceremony, Carvalho told graduates that the way Perez has handled this ordeal sets an example that they should follow. “You see, it is that type of determination, that type of courage, that type of resolve that you can learn from,” he said. “Anyone can turn a tragedy into a triumph.”
Yours is a class of thinkers, reflectors and doers @SDSHS #class2016 #mdcpsgrad you are the pride of @principaljp 🎀 pic.twitter.com/3fE4iUjmgZ
— Lawrence Feldman (@Larry_Feldman) June 7, 2016
Since the crash, schools across South Florida have rallied to help Perez with candlelight prayer vigils, blood drives and social media campaigns. His GoFundMe page has raised $145,226 out of its target of $200,000. “We want to make sure he knows that we’re here to support him and his family knows we’re here to support him,” said Giovanna Blanco, a friend of Perez.
Graduates who spoke with 7News took the opportunity to express their gratitude toward their principal. “Mr. Perez, thank you for everything you’ve done for us,” said Ryland Bowles. “We deeply appreciate it, and I cannot ask for a better principal.”
“I just want to tell him that we’re all rooting for him to get better, and no matter what, we’re going to be his support system, alumni of South Dade,” said South Dade graduate Chantel Jean.
Perez was able to watch a live webcast of the ceremony from his hospital room.
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