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VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - After a five-year fight for their disabled son to walk across the stage, one family is on the way to a happy ending.

In November 2025, we introduced you to the Mathew and Gabriela Stoner who were fighting for their son, Theo, to walk across the stage.

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Matthew said, “I don’t expect Theo to ever get married. I don’t expect him to go to college and graduate. This is really his big milestone. And he deserves to be celebrated just like everyone deserves to be celebrated.”

After several years of requests via letter, email, and phone calls Valdosta City Schools has agreed to let him walk in this year’s commencement ceremony.

“We’re so excited! We recently received a response for my email that I sent out on the third of March. The superintendent is inviting Theo to graduate,” Gabriela said.

Gabriela made the trip with Theo to thank the Valdosta City Schools Board of Education in person for a moment the family has waited years for.

But for the Stoner family, one victory is not enough. They say what happened to Theo is a symptom of a much bigger problem and they are not done fighting.

“This is not just about one student. It’s not just about our son. It’s about closing a legal and policy gap that puts other students at risk,” Gabriela said, “Theo received relief, we are so grateful for the opportunity to graduate this summer, however, Georgia still needs reform.”

Theo’s Law is still in the works as the Stoner family is currently working with State Representative Sue Hung of Georgia’s 103rd District to push the bill forward.

If passed, Theo’s Law would require school districts statewide to create inclusive graduation policies — guaranteeing that graduation access is a protected right, not a courtesy — for graduating seniors with disabilities, like Theo.

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