Local high school host special graduation ceremony for student with deployed mother

MIAMI COUNTY — Friday, a local high school hosted a special graduation ceremony for a student whose mother is about to be deployed.

Jennifer Godsey had no idea what was actually waiting for her when she came to Miami East High School Friday afternoon.

Godsey had accepted the fact that she would be deployed to Qatar before she could watch her daughter graduate.

“I was heartbroken ... I was asking ‘why couldn’t it be six months earlier or six months later?’” Godsey told News Center 7′s James Rider.

Instead, she got the surprise of her life in front of the entire school.

>> ‘You had to love her;’ Family members, friends gather to remember young girl killed in crash

Her daughter, Taylor Godsey, wearing a cap and gown got up and received her diploma.

“This means more to me than I can almost express in words. The gift that Miami East schools gave to me today is priceless. It helps lighten my heart,” Jennifer said.

Taylor said it was monumental to have her mother be able to watch her graduate.

Jennifer is a Senior Master Sergeant in the Air Force and also drives a bus for the district.

Jennifer said she was overcome with emotion when she realized what was happening.

On stage, through tears, she mouthed the words “I love you” to her daughter.

>> Woman walks on StairMaster for a painful 24 hours to raise money for Ukraine

“I kind of knew she was going to cry. But just having her be recognized by the school and having her be here physically. I’m speechless,” Taylor said.

She said that it hasn’t fully hit her that her mom won’t be here for prom or graduation.

Jennifer leaves for Qatar on April 4.

Even though it will be 3 a.m. in Qatar, she said she will absolutely be on Zoom to watch the full graduation ceremony later this year.

©2022 Cox Media Group