Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
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Konrad Holmes

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Konrad Holmes, like many 18 year olds, had run track, hunted, fished, and walked across the stage in the Sequoyah High School (SHS) gymnasium to receive his diploma. What makes him different is the fact that he completed graduation requirements in September and that he has cancer.

At the beginning of his sophomore year at SHS, Holmes was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors discovered cancer in his nasal cavity after he had been treated for reoccurring sinus problems. Since then, he has undergone three rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments to his head, neck, and hips.

"All things are possible", Holmes said. "I’ve made it this far, I’m not giving up."

Holmes was determined not to let the cancer beat him and set out to reach his goal of graduating from high school. SHS sent a tutor to his house two days a week to help him with his schoolwork. The media production class at SHS videotaped his algebra class and sent him the videos so he could see the instructor and learn along with his other classmates. After a period of remission, Holmes was able to start this school year as a senior at Sequoyah, only to have a cancer relapse just weeks after school started. With his hard work, determination, and optimism he completed the 27 credits required for graduation and received his diploma ahead of his classmates.

"I want to become a doctor and I knew one of the toughest challenges was graduating from high school", Holmes said. "I just worked hard and never gave up hope. I want to become a med student and hopefully get a medical degree. Hopefully God has that in store for me."

"He’s at such peace, he’s happier now than he has ever been", said Penny Holmes, Konrad’s mother. "He’s always been compassionate. God has just really blessed me with all of my boys, especially Konrad."

Konrad’s friends and family packed the SHS gymnasium to watch the determined young man realize his dream of graduating from high school. Seventy-five seniors marched in and took their seats, but only one wore a cap and gown. The ceremony was dedicated to him and his three-year long battle with cancer. As part of the ceremony, Holmes showed his media production class project. The video showed him proudly wearing a SHS track uniform and competing in track meets in his early high school years and receiving chemotherapy treatments as he got older.

"As I changed I often heard people refer to me as superman or their hero", Holmes said. "I would have to say that great friends and a strong family are the ones that make the hero."

"He taught us more than we ever taught him", said Tony Pivec, SHS superintendent.

Sequoyah High School "Home of the Indians!" Sequoyah High School is an Indian boarding school which originated in 1871 when the Cherokee National Council passed an act setting up an orphan asylum to take care of the many orphans that came out of the Civil War. Sequoyah High School's approximate 300 enrollment represents 42 tribes and 14 different states. Students are eligible to attend if they are members of federally recognized Indian tribes or one-fourth blood descendants of such members.