14-Year-Old Who Walked 6.5 Miles To Attend Graduation Awarded Scholarship

14-year-old who walked two hours to get to his eighth-grade graduation is being rewarded with a full-ride scholarship.

Xavier Jones, from St. Louis, walked six miles from his home to his graduation at Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) to get his diploma.

HSSU President Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith offered him a Presidential scholarship that will cover four years of tuition, housing, books and fees. For his determination to succeed in the face of adversity.

“We are proud to welcome Xavier into Hornet Nation in the fall of 2028!" the university said.

He graduated from Yeatman Middle School with a 4.0 GPA and wants to be a NASCAR driver one day.

The grandfather takes care of Xavier, who is diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia, and his six siblings after their mother passed away a few years ago.

Jones was gifted a $5,000 Ryan Pritchard Electric Bike and the family also received a $40,000 minivan thanks to the generosity of Bommarito Automotive.

Jones was also able to visit HSSU with his sisters and received tickets to the Illinois 300 NASCAR series and the Confluence Music Festival.