High school graduation controversy resolved in Carrollton

CARROLLTON, Ohio - A Carrollton High School senior will be permitted to graduate with his class following a social media firestorm that drew reaction from as far away as Afghanistan.

"It's a little overwhelming now," Austin Fisher, 17, said.

Fisher was told he would not be permitted to walk across the stage with his class at this year's Carrollton High School commencement, because he had too many absences last semester.

Fisher and other family members were caring for his mother, who was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago. Sometimes it meant taking her for treatments. Fisher missed 16 days of school last semester, but school policy only allows 14 absences.

"Our mom was sick," he said.

Since late last week, thousands of people signed an online petition in Fisher's support. Others have been buying and wearing T-shirts that read "Let Fish Walk."

Monday afternoon, school administrators told Fisher and his mother that he would be permitted to walk with his class.

Petitions are still circulating though. One claims that while Fisher will be allowed to walk, he still will not be allowed to attend prom.

Carrollton's superintendent's office said as a result of an agreement between the Fisher family and the Board of Education, they will no longer be addressing this issue with the media.

Fisher said he has no hard feelings for anyone.

"I was never out to make them look bad at all," he said.

He's now looking forward to graduation and college, where he hopes to continue his baseball career.