When the announcer called “Molly Josette Bloom” at East High School’s graduation ceremony on Sunday, the class of 2006 and the audience gave her a standing ovation.
They had spent much of the graduation ceremony honoring the 17-year-old swim-team standout injured May 13 when she was dragged under the wheels of a limousine after her prom.
Bloom remains in critical condition at Denver Health Medical Center, where one of her legs was amputated.
The ceremony was overcast by an aura of sadness as student speakers and the principal addressed the accident, but they also delivered messages of strength and perseverance.
Graduate Cary Shapiro, in the welcome speech, celebrated Bloom’s courage as a reflection of the entire class.
Senior Josh Mangiagli remembered Bloom’s accident, acknowledging how fragile life can be, but how students can overcome adversity.
“Tonight graduates accept diplomas not just for themselves, but Molly, her family, and the entire class of 2006,” Mangiagli said.
The choir sang “Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
East High’s principal, Kathy Callum, explained Bloom’s absence and asked the audience to lift her up through prayer.
“She loves life, and she’s fighting to undertake the changes life has brought her with dignity,” Callum said.
She praised Jack Pincus, who administered first aid to his friend and classmate, as a reluctant hero. “That was his destiny,” Callum said.
When Bloom’s name was called, the procession stopped, and the crowd members rose to their feet with cheers as her photo shone from overhead screens.
Staff writer Julianne Bentley can be reached at jbentley@denverpost.com.
This story has been corrected in this online archive. Originally, due to a reporter’s error, it include a quote from a woman erroneously claiming to be a member of the Bloom family.
