Editor’s note: This is the fourth story in a weeklong series recognizing noteworthy graduates from the Class of 2016. This year’s series highlights “comeback kids,” students who turned challenges into personal triumphs.

When Glacier High School senior Von-Cedric Graham walks across the graduation stage on Saturday, he will have friends, family and administrators cheering him on.

But one key person in the audience will be missing: his father.

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper David Graham was killed in a vehicle collision while on patrol in Evergreen on Oct. 9, 2007. His son said the incident was the beginning of a few rough years.

“It seems like my whole life, we’ve had dips, but you’ve just got to keep going,” Von-Cedric Graham said. “When my dad died, the first couple of years it was really rough, but then you start going through counseling and getting the support of family and other people. Then you start to feel better and think about the positive sides.”

At the beginning of his senior year, Von-Cedric’s life took another turn when he decided to split ways with his mother, Genny Graham, and seek alternative living arrangements. A friend’s family helped him out and gave him a place to stay, but suddenly Von-Cedric had to pay room and board, car insurance and other expenses. It was not easy, but Graham plugged away at work as a Target cashier and kept going to school.

He credits his graduation mostly to the support of those around him.

“The help I’ve gotten has been awesome,” Graham said. “It’s amazing to get that kind of support.”

His advice to others who are having a tough time is to always look for the positive.

“Surround yourself with good people, friends and family who support you and will love you,” Graham said. “There’s help out there, you’ve just got to look for it and stay positive.”

Graham brightened Glacier High School while wearing the wolf mascot costume at sporting events his last two years of high school. He said he loved the interaction with children and making people smile.

“That’s what really made it worth it, even though it was hot and sweaty,” Graham said.

He is headed to the University of Montana with a tuition waiver, with a goal of beginning a career helping others.

He wants to enroll in the criminal justice program and follow in his father’s footsteps as a law enforcement officer.

“I don’t know if it will be federal, Montana Highway Patrol, KPD,” Graham said. “I’ll figure it out when I get to that point.”

Graham said that while his father died on duty, the thought of joining the Highway Patrol doesn’t make him afraid or worried for his safety.

“I’ve just kind of lived my life where stuff’s going to happen and you just have to deal with it,” Graham said. “Aim for that positive side.”

Graham said he likes the idea of police work because “you get to help people.”

Graham’s grandmother Maren Nestegard said she’s proud of her grandson’s kind heart.

“I say your dad is watching and he would be so proud of you,” Nestegard said. “Just set your goals and don’t let anyone sway you from what you want to do.”

Nestegard said that she thinks his future is bright.

“Cedric is strong despite what life brings,” Nestegard said. “He is so loving, caring, forgiving, fun and willing to share and help others. His dad would be so proud of him.”

Nestegard said she and her husband recently went on a trip around Mother’s Day and returned to find Von-Cedric had planted some flowers for her.

“As grandparents, we couldn’t be more proud and we love him beyond and back,” Nestegard said.

Glacier High School Counselor Jerad Avery also expects great things from Von-Cedric.

“We all deal with loss or difficulties differently, but I just really respect that he is always positive, always respectful and never makes excuses,” Avery said.

Graham is one of many students at Glacier High School who exemplify “Glacier grit,” a slogan the school uses to encourage youths to overcome their obstacles, Avery said.

“I anticipate that this is a young man who is going to make his father proud,” Avery said. “He’s going to be so good to the people around him.”

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.