Walking across the stage to receive a college diploma is a major accomplishment for anyone. But for one Knoxville woman, simply walking across the stage is a big improvement from the way she spent much of her time in class in the last year.

Danyel Daniels received her associate degree in the Radiography program at South College during graduation ceremonies on June 21. But halfway through her courses, her graduation was in doubt after she broke several bones in her foot. She spent an entire quarter year going to class in a wheelchair and another quarter of that same year hospitalized after surgery for appendicitis. Still, Daniels worked overtime to avoid having to withdraw from classes and graduated on time.

For those efforts, Daniels received the Presidential Award, an honor given by South College to students who exceed normal expectations in a variety of areas including scholarship, leadership and perseverance.

“Danyel Daniels showed extraordinary determination and courage in her pursuit of her goals, and we are extremely proud of her,” said South College President Steve South. “She is living proof that nothing is impossible.”

Daniels was one of 139 graduates eligible to participate in the annual ceremony at the Tennessee Theatre. The guest speaker was Bob Kesling, director of broadcasting at the University of Tennessee and the “Voice of the Vols.”

South College is a private institution accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. South College educates students for selected careers in high-demand fields and offers a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies, bachelor’s degrees in business administration, elementary education, legal studies, nursing, pharmaceutical science and health science, and associate degrees in various fields including accounting, business administration, medical assisting, paralegal studies, physical therapist assistant and radiography. For more information, visit http://www.southcollegetn.edu.