Salem County Teenager Graduates After Near Fatal Hit-And-Run

PENNSVILLE, N.J. (CBS) -- It is a special graduation for the victim of a hit-and-run in Salem County. The teenager is walking across the stage with the help of two special angels.

18-year-old Kyle Pszenny has a big smile, a big family and a big story of survival.

"He was in a coma where he was completely asleep," described Kyle's mother, Crystal Parks. "Not even opening his eyes for a month."

At 2:00 a.m. on June 7, of last year, Kyle was riding his skate board down a Pennsville Township road, when he was struck by a vehicle and left for dead.

That was until a neighbor, who heard the loud impact, called police. "They did everything the proper way and helped save his life," Parks said.

Although Kyle does not remember that morning, he knew the two officers that first rushed to his aid.

So, he asked them to help him walk across the stage at his graduation. Parks described a standing ovation, all around, for the miracle that occurred.

"To see him take that step really just goes to show that you're not a victim of your circumstances," said one of Kyle's friends.

A piece of the vehicle, left on scene, helped police track down the hit-and-run suspect. In March, 23-year-old Zachary McDonough, also well known and liked locally, was sentenced to three years in prison.

Kyle says he forgives him. The former athlete's recovery has been grueling. He hides it well and hopes that college is in his future.

"You have two options, I mean. You can give up, or you can become Kyle Pszenny," said one of the officers who saved him.