DURHAM, N.C. – Shaun Deardorff won't have a proper graduation from Jordan High School.
To express his feelings, a few weeks ago, Deardorff, 17, penciled out a detailed drawing of a teary-eyed male graduate wearing a cap, gown, and face mask. The portrait went viral on social media. Deardorff believes it captures how many of his classmates also feel.
"Every single time I think about my senior year, I keep thinking about something more that I'm losing. Like today...I won't have friends to sign my yearbook," he says.
He then drew out a female healthcare worker also wearing a Superman face mask as a way to show his gratitude.
"The closest thing that we have to superheroes today are our healthcare workers," he says.
The teenager sells copies of his works on his website and Instagram page. He says proceeds will go to food banks and help healthcare workers get personal protection equipment.
Deardorff plans to attend N.C. State in the fall. He hopes to have a proper graduation when he completes his degree.