School celebrates young shooting victim’s success and graduation

CHICAGO (WGN) — A young Chicago shooting victim whose recovery WGN Investigates has documented for several years marked an important milestone this week. Mekhi McGruder is graduating from 8th grade and putting on a show to celebrate.

McGruder and his wheelchair basketball team from the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association showed his fellow students at Parker Junior High School in Flossmoor how challenging the sport can be.

The crowd cheered as Mekhi sank a basket and then wheeled past students offering high-fives along the way.

“It was just really touching,” said Mekhi’s mom Miranda of the school assembly and its message.  “One of the kids got up and spoke and said ‘just watching and playing made him look at things in a different light and appreciate how hard the sport is.'”

 Mekhi starts high school this fall.  His mom said he’s both excited and nervous for the change and challenge.