NEW GLOUCESTER – The typical season of high school graduations ended last month when students across Maine marched to “Pomp and Circumstance” and earned their diplomas.

But, for one New Gloucester teenager, the journey to graduation last Saturday marked a celebration of courage, love and faith.

And, with that event, came a special gift from friends and community to make life easier: a fully equipped handicapped van, registered and ready for travel.

Derek “Mr. D” Rosengren’s infectious smile never faded as friends and family gathered for his private high school graduation at the New Gloucester Bible Church.

The social hall was decorated with pictures of Derek and his family seen through his many accomplishments – therapeutic horseback riding during his early years, Special Olympics events, a trip to Florida with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a special bicycle ride, and hanging out on the hammock with his companion dog, Jen.

Derek was born with a rare genetic disorder, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher, a progressive, degenerative central nervous system disorder in which coordination, motor abilities and intellectual function deteriorates.

Derek’s solo march in a wheelchair pushed by his father, Dale, his mother, Lynda, and accompanied by Jen drew a round of applause.

Since leaving public school after the sixth grade at Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, his parents have home-schooled Derek.

Lynda Rosengren presented her son with his high school diploma as Jen sat by his side. A musically accompanied video depicted Derek’s life and accomplishments.

Last month, John David Palmiter and his wife, Bonnie, sent out a community letter of appeal to raise money for Derek to buy a used van with a wheelchair lift to suit the family’s needs.

“His name is Derek Rosengren – we all call him Mr. D,” wrote the Palmiters.

“He has a rare, cruel disease which has caused him to be severely handicapped. Mr. D. has never walked, talked, fed himself, run, jumped or played ball – physically, that is. However, in his heart and mind he does.

He is a great fan of sports, especially bull riding and hockey. He also enjoys going to the local ball games to see his many friends play. For those of you who have never had the pleasure of knowing Mr. D., you have missed a real blessing. Your heart will melt as he charms you with his smile, brightens your life with his blinking, twinkling eyes and communicates with you through his hand gestures and squeals of delight.”

In just a day shy of a month, the community heeded that call for help by raising $30,000 for Derek.

The Rev. Dan Michaud said he was amazed by the outpouring, which came from Key Bank in Gray, local business establishments, private donations, family and friends and local churches.