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Alone on graduation day, Minnesota student finds a global family through viral TikTok

Bemidji High School graduate Miguell Schmerbeck went viral after posting a TikTok of his graduation, revealing, "The hardest part wasn't graduating. It was watching everyone else celebrate with the people who showed up for them. Then, realizing nobody showed up for me."
Schmerbeck, whose mother died when he was 13, has documented his experiences with being unhoused and currently works long hours while "couch-hopping and trying to build stability" for himself.
The video has amassed nearly 20 million views and over 200,000 comments, while his GoFundMe page, "Help Miguell Build a Stable Future," has raised over $23,000 out of a $26,000 goal as of Wednesday.
In response to the support, Schmerbeck scheduled a graduation party for 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26, at Diamond Point Park in Bemidji, inviting everyone to attend.
Expressing gratitude, Schmerbeck said, "I'm just so, so thankful that I can say that I'm blessed with the family now, many families." He added his goal is to "build a life I'm proud of.

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Duluth News Tribune

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Alone on graduation day, Minnesota student finds a global family through viral TikTok

BEMIDJI, Minn. — Miguell Schmerbeck had little expectation when he posted himself walking across the stage at Bemidji High School’s graduation in late May. The fateful TikTok video opens with the typical: Schmerbeck donning his cap and gown, shaking hands with school board members as he makes the transition from student to alumnus. The video takes a quick turn as Schmerbeck grows emotional, as text reads: “The hardest part wasn’t graduating. It …

3 days ago·Cherokee County, United States

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