90,000 sign petition to let senior walk

CARROLLTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Facing an outpouring of support for the student, an Ohio school district has reversed it's decision to deny a graduating senior the privilege of walking with his class.

Austin Fisher had been told he could not walk at commencement ceremonies because he missed two more days of class than permitted by the policy of the Carrollton Exempted Village School District. Fisher, a student athlete with good grades, missed the classes to care for his mother during her treatments for terminal breast cancer,

A nationwide online petition campaign gathered more than 90,000 signatures in support of Fisher.

"The support has been amazing for Austin Fisher," said Tammy White, a Carrollton High School alumnus who created the petition. "We were all a part of making sure that Austin Fisher will walk at graduation. It's been a wonderful day for all of us who helped Austin. Together, we can accomplish great things."

School superintendent Palmer Folger met with the Fisher family on Monday and informed them that Austin would be allowed to walk at graduation.