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Local Blind Students Overcome Challenges To Graduate

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was a proud day in West Philadelphia as nine students graduated from the Overbrook School for the Blind.

All of the students are legally blind and many had to overcome other disabilities to finish school.

Executive director Gerald Kitzhoffer says these kids inspire him.

"They've done it. They've done it. And the stories they've told about the challenges they've had to face in their lives are phenomenal."

overbrook grad
(credit: Mike Dougherty)

Graduate Njema Lennox is a cheerleader and track star with a heart of gold. And she has big goals.

"My hopes and dreams is to help babies and be there for them, be compassionate. I love working with kids."

Njema's mom, Camelle, was fighting back tears when asked how it felt to watch her daughter walk across the stage.

"There's no words for that right now. No words."

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