Deeply Emotional Day as Kaitlyn Doorhy Awarded Degree at Would-Be College Graduation

Graduation day from college is meant to be a celebration for parents who get to savor the proud moment as their beloved daughters and sons walk across the stage to receive their degrees.

It's a day meant for photographs and laughter, of selfies and celebratory dinners, a day steeped in pride and joy.

But for the Doorhy family, what would have been their daughter Kaitlyn's graduation day from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut on Sunday was a day filled with heartrending emotions and the aching reminder of all they'd lost.

In a heartfelt and emotional moment, Kaitlyn Doorhy, who died at 20 when she was struck by a car while away at SHU, was awarded an honorary degree on what would have been her college graduation day Sunday.

"It was an overwhelming day for the Doorhy family and friends," said Darla Doorhy, Kait's mother. "We dreamed of our daughter graduating yesterday. But when she is there in spirit, not in the flesh, that hurts her family deeply."

Sacred Heart University, Doorhy said, planned a beautiful memorial graduation for Kaitlyn, with Dr. John Petillo, president of SHU, and Dean of Students Larry Wilk welcoming, embracing, and calming the Doorhys during what was a very emotional day.

"Kaitlyn received her diploma yesterday, a bachelor of arts, along with her family, friends, classmates and her true friends Kappa Delta sorority sisters, who are golden to her. After the ceremony, her dad planned a champagne toast at her grave along with our neighbors and friends. We brought her degree to her," Darla Doorhy said.

She added, "Everyone, please stay close to your children and keep them safe. Our guardian angel Kaitlyn will always be looking down on us as we look up to her."

Loved ones also marked the day on social media. "A very emotional day today as our Angel Kaitlyn was awarded an honorary degree from @sacredheartuniversity on her would-be graduation day. Fly high, Kait, we feel you down here. . . every day," a post on the Kait's Angels Facebook page said.

Her loved ones wrote that "beauty" Kait was a "total shining star today lighting up the Jumbotron."

Kait's sister Carly said the day was bittersweet, "with a lot of overpowering emotions. Seeing my sister's face on the big screen made me feel as if she was in the present. Also, Dr. John Petillo, president of Sacred Heart University told the whole crowd about my surprise to my parents on Christmas Eve and displayed the photo of the moment on the big screen, as well."

Carly, a graduating senior at Mattituck High School, said on the night before Christmas, she'd told her parents that she'd chosen Sacred Heart University.

"The whole crowd applauded me as they welcomed me into their home, Sacred Heart University Class of 2020. That was the cherry on top to my year, and an even better start to the next four years of my life," Carly said.

She added, "I'm so grateful to be a part of such a great family at SHU and I just wish Kait could be here to see it all — but I know she's smiling from above."

Since she died tragically in 2014, the North Fork community has pledged to keep Kait's beautiful spirit alive through Kait's Angels, a not-for-profit organization that performs acts of kindness in memory of Kait, a former Strawberry Queen whose list of academic and philanthropic accomplishments is long.

Members perform “Angel Acts,” working to pay Kait’s love of others forward by helping those in need or just brightening the lives of strangers with random acts of kindness. A mantra of the organization is “Discover Your Value,” urging individuals to follow Kait’s shining example and live a life dedicated to good works.

In February, a Zumba event was held; other events in recent months have included a Kait’s Angels Yogurt Bowl to benefit Danielle Harrison-Meraz, a Southold woman battling cancer.

Since the organization was formed, Kait’s Angels has been spreading a message of love and positivity throughout the North Fork. Last year, Buddy Benches were dedicated in North Fork schools to help fight back against bullying and help give children a safe place to go when they need a friend.

In addition, a yard sale fundraiser was held for Benjamin Pileski, a young Mattituck man who, now recovered, was critically injured after being hit by a taxi in Montauk on July 4 weekend.

Together, friends and loved ones have faced Kait’s unthinkable loss with strength and courage, finding positive ways to spread her love for others and belief in giving back — an unstoppable force in their mission to do good work in her beautiful memory.

Next up for Kait's Angels will be a Designer Handbag Wingo event on June 10 at Macari Vineyard. For tickets in advance, click here.

Photos courtesy of Doorhy family.