Students Walk 2km to Include Ill Classmate in Graduation Photos

In a poignant display of friendship and solidarity, over 60 junior high school students from Sichuan Province, China, undertook a 2-kilometer journey to a hospital to include their terminally ill classmate, Ren Junjie, in their graduation photos.

Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Ren’s health had deteriorated, preventing him from attending school. The students’ heartfelt gesture ensured that Ren remained an integral part of their shared milestone.

A Journey of Compassion

On May 17, 2025, the students, accompanied by teachers, walked to the hospital, carrying benches and wearing their school uniforms. Ren, dressed in his uniform and connected to an oxygen tank, was brought into the venue on his hospital bed. The group took graduation photos together, and classmates presented Ren with letters, flowers, and gifts, expressing their hope for his recovery and return to school.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

Tragically, Ren passed away at 4 a.m. the following day. His father expressed deep gratitude to the students and teachers for their unwavering support, stating that their efforts deeply touched the family.

This touching act of unity highlights the profound impact of empathy and community. The students’ determination to include Ren in their graduation ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in collective compassion and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear.

The Power of Inclusion in Times of Grief

This story resonated across Chinese social media, where many praised the students for their emotional maturity and sense of community. In a time when young people are often criticized for being detached or self-centered, these students set a powerful example of what it means to show up for someone in need.

Their collective act of kindness didn’t just comfort a dying friend—it also united a nation in reflecting on how we care for each other during life’s most difficult moments. For educators and parents, it was a reminder that empathy is just as important as academic success.

A Lesson Beyond the Classroom

For the students of Guang’an No. 3 Middle School, this experience will be remembered far longer than any exam result or classroom lecture. Moreover, their walk to the hospital and the final photos taken with Ren Junjie became a lesson in humanity, empathy, and emotional courage. In honoring their friend, they also honored the values of loyalty and compassion—qualities that will shape their identities far beyond their school years. It’s a story that not only moved millions online but also serves as a quiet call to treasure the people in our lives while we can.

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