Special send-off for beloved graduating student considered 'unofficial mayor' of his high school

It was a one-of-a-kind send off for a special graduate — students and teachers lined the hallways of Parkside Collegiate Institute in St. Thomas, Ont. for a rare ‘clap out.’ Jackson Virgoe, 21, a student in a developmental education classroom, is graduating after seven years of high school.

It was a one-of-a-kind send off for a special graduate.

Students and teachers lined the hallways of Parkside Collegiate Institute (PCI) in St. Thomas, Ont. for a rare ‘clap out.’

Jackson Virgoe, 21, a student in a developmental education (DE) classroom, is graduating after seven years of high school.

“It's bittersweet for all of us,” said Heather Jacobi, PCI principal. “We don't have events where all 1,100 students come out just to clap on one person. This is very special to the whole building.”

Virgoe is considered the ‘unofficial mayor’ of PCI. He spends every break and lunch hour walking the halls of the school, and speaking to students.

“I like walking the school and saying ‘Hi,’” said Virgoe.

He knows nearly everyone by name.