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The matriculation of Walter Coggins Jr.

Community of supporters help teen overcome double tragedy and soar
Walter Coggins Jr. speaks at his graduation from Atlanta's Best Academy at the Georgia Dome in May.

Credit: Akili-Casundria Ramsess

Credit: Akili-Casundria Ramsess

Walter Coggins Jr. speaks at his graduation from Atlanta's Best Academy at the Georgia Dome in May.
By Angela Tuck
June 11, 2015

The day began like any other school day for Walter Coggins Jr.

It was August 2014, the second week of his senior year at B.E.S.T. Academy, an all-male public school in Atlanta. As he headed out the door, he exchanged goodbyes with his father.

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Dad, I’m going to school.

All right, son. I love you, Walter Coggins Sr. said and kissed his son's forehead.

Expressions of love and encouragement were the Coggins’ way. This family knew life was short and things could change in an instant.

Ten years earlier, Maya Coggins had dropped dead of a massive heart attack while shopping at Marshalls, leaving Walter Jr. and his two siblings without a mother and Walter Sr. without a wife. She was 29.

Get the rest of the story here, and see video of Walter Coggins Jr. You'll also find more photos.

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Angela Tuck
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