ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Nearly 900 Roanoke City students walked across the stage into a new chapter of life Thursday, but one who was scheduled to be there, wasn’t.

While family and friends gathered to celebrate William Fleming graduates, the ceremony honored Mariangela Duenas, who was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver last Friday. She was supposed to be among the graduates.

After a moment of silence at the commencement, friends accepted her diploma.

Many of the student on hand have already made plans to go to college, enter the military or join the workforce. At least 20 have signed to continue athletic careers in college.

Verletta White, superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools, spoke.

“So don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do, because you’ve already proven tha

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