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Wes Leonard remembered at graduation
Died from an unexpected heart attack
Updated: Friday, 25 May 2012, 12:01 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 25 May 2012, 12:01 AM EDT
FENNVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - High school seniors everywhere are graduating and moving into the next chapter in their lives, but for some Fennville students one classmate will forever be remembered.
Wes Leonard was a junior when he collapsed and died from an enlarged heart right after making the game winning shot in March 2011.
He would've graduated tonight, along with 99 other students, who crossed the stage into adulthood.
Selina Baltran-Pena was Leonard's high school sweetheart.
"When I got my diploma I just walked over to Jocelyn [Wes' mom] and gave her my extra cap," said Baltran-Pena. "He was supposed to be my walking partner, we planned it since freshmen year."
But since Leonard wasn't able to be there, his little brother Mitchell walked with her.
"We all had a break down moment last week," said Baltran-Pena. "Jocelyn...they're my second family."
Even at the graduation ceremony, many of Leonard's classmates embraced his mom, and choir teacher at Fennville, like one of their own.
"It makes it sad because I think he went too soon," said Chico Beach, Leonard's friend.
Both of Leonard's jerseys have been retired and now hang in the gym where he took his last shot.
Since Leonard's death, several schools have put AEDs in their gyms.
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