Robot Attends US Student’s Graduation Ceremony As She Was Hospitalised
The robot was made in partnership between MCPSS and USA Children's and Women's Hospital.
An Alabama high school student was graduating this week but couldn't attend the event as she lay sick in her hospital bed. While Cynthia Pettway, a senior at LeFlore High School in Mobile, Alabama could not be physically present for her graduation ceremony but virtually attended with the help of a robot. With the help of friends and family, a makeshift robot was arranged attached to an iPad, controlled by the 17-year-old from her hospital bed.
According to a Facebook post put up Mobile County Public Schools, the robot was made in partnership between MCPSS and USA Children's and Women's Hospital.
The graduation ceremony was live broadcasted and more than 40 members of Cynthia's family along with friends were present in the conference room of the hospital to watch it. The crowd cheered as the robot took the stage. Cynthia's mother Rachael Johnson said, "It was perfect. We loved it."
Here is the Facebook post:
The robot went up to the stage dressed in cloak and gown and accepted the diploma on her behalf. Pettway who was initially doubtful of the plan told the BBC, I didn't think it was going to work." Talking about how people stood in applause cheering her, she said, "The whole stadium was cheering for me. I got emotional. I was crying bad, tears of joy."
While Pettway's family has not disclosed the nature of her illness they have set up a GoFundMe campaign where one can donate for her treatment. Cynthia describes her ailment as a condition taking "a toll" on her life, stopping her from going to jobs or attending college.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 23, 2018 05:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).