Months after a dumptruck rolled over on him, nearly taking his life, 19-year-old Jake Bloodworth officially graduated today from Model High School of Rome, Ga., in a brief ceremony held at Erlanger hospital.

Floyd County (Ga.) Schools Superintendent Dr. Lynn Plunkett and Model High School Principal Glenn White came up from Rome to present Jake with his diploma.

“This is the first time we’ve had a young man actually be in the hospital, in this kind of condition, and actually work to graduate,” Mr. White said.

Jake had completed his required school work in world history, algebra and British literature, working from his hospital bed, he said.

“I missed a whole lot of school, but thanks to my trusty Dell computer I’ve been able to complete all the online stuff,” Jake said today at Erlanger. “It’s an amazing feeling (to graduate). I did not want to have to go back for another year.”

In February ,Jake was driving his grandfather’s 1967 Chevrolet dumptruck down a steep hill when the brakes failed, causing the truck to flip. After Jake was thrown from the vehicle, the truck rolled onto him, severely crushing his pelvis, said his surgeon, Dr. Vicente Mejia.

“It’s probably one of the worst pelvic traumas I’ve seen,” Dr. Mejia said.

After dozens of surgeries, Jake is still in a great deal of pain and has a couple surgeries remaining. His pelvic bones have healed so he will be able to bear weight soon, and he may eventually walk again, Dr. Mejia said.

“He has been a remarkable patient. He has been really patient ... and has had an extremely positive attitude,” he said.

For complete coverage see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.

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