York Grad Speaker Unable To Finish Speech

ELMHURST, IL – York High School graduate Ricardo Morales was given the honor to speak at the commencement ceremony Wednesday, but was unable to finish.

For a few minutes, Morales delivered an energetic speech about what gives one's life meaning. Then he fainted into the podium. He remained standing as school officials rushed to him.

An administrator announced that Morales was all right, but said there would be a brief pause.

A few minutes later, Morales, with his tie and gown off and his shirt unbuttoned, thanked the audience, joking, "Technical difficulties, but everything is good."

He then left the ceremony in an ambulance. Graduates applauded him.

Ricardo Morales, a graduate of York High School, receives his diploma Tuesday at a school board meeting. He was unable to finish his address during Sunday's commencement ceremony. (Elmhurst School District 205)

At Tuesday's school board meeting, Morales wore his cap and gown and board as President Athena Arvanitis presented his diploma. Board members shook hands with him.

Arvanitis said Morales wrote and auditioned to give the "Student Reflection" address. She said the administration chose him for his "exceptional" speech.

A board member said later in the meeting that Morales suffered the issue because of the heat.