BAKERSFIELD, CA - As seniors prepare for graduation, Highland High School is using the ceremony to pay tribute to one of its own. Eighteen year old Derrick Duff, jr. was killed in a car crash on the way home from a spring break trip earlier this year. Thursday, his mother will accept an honorary diploma on his behalf, walking the stage with more than 400 of his classmates.
Duff left a lasting impact on Highland High School and its students. Junior Nick Romero said, "He was my best friend. I was on the basketball team with him and he changed my life."
The school will honor Duff's memory during its graduation ceremony Thursday by presenting his mother with an honorary diploma in his name, something principal Debra Vigstrom says is important to students.
"His life made such a difference in the class of 2013. So much so, that there's been an overwhelming cry for recognition for Derrick," said Vigstrom.
"It just shows that he's not gone, that he's with us and he's still with us and that he'll continue to be with us," said Romero.
While many students begin a new chapter in their lives, Duff's friends say the lasting impact he had on them will always remain.
Highland High Junior Elias Roasas said, "He made everybody laugh, was a great guy, never a dull moment with him."
"He was a part of our family here at Highland. He left such a positive impact on everyone's lives, even though he's not here with us now, I know he's with us in our hearts," said Romero.
During senior awards, the school presented a scholarship on Duff's behalf. Last weekend, his friends put on a barbecue raising almost $3,000 toward keeping the scholarship going each year.
Highland High School seniors will graduate Thursday at 7:00 pm the Rabobank Convention Center.
Duff left a lasting impact on Highland High School and its students. Junior Nick Romero said, "He was my best friend. I was on the basketball team with him and he changed my life."
The school will honor Duff's memory during its graduation ceremony Thursday by presenting his mother with an honorary diploma in his name, something principal Debra Vigstrom says is important to students.
"His life made such a difference in the class of 2013. So much so, that there's been an overwhelming cry for recognition for Derrick," said Vigstrom.
"It just shows that he's not gone, that he's with us and he's still with us and that he'll continue to be with us," said Romero.
While many students begin a new chapter in their lives, Duff's friends say the lasting impact he had on them will always remain.
Highland High Junior Elias Roasas said, "He made everybody laugh, was a great guy, never a dull moment with him."
"He was a part of our family here at Highland. He left such a positive impact on everyone's lives, even though he's not here with us now, I know he's with us in our hearts," said Romero.
During senior awards, the school presented a scholarship on Duff's behalf. Last weekend, his friends put on a barbecue raising almost $3,000 toward keeping the scholarship going each year.
Highland High School seniors will graduate Thursday at 7:00 pm the Rabobank Convention Center.