Bloom High School guidance counselor Elizabeth Peterson places a graduation cap on Matthew Brown, 18, of Chicago Heights, as he attends the school’s recent graduation ceremony. Brown suffered multiple injuries and lost a leg during a hit-and-run incident.

Matthew Brown, 18, of Chicago Heights, rubs the tassle on his graduation cap before attending the graduation ceremony at Bloom High School Thursday, May 31, 2012. Brown suffered multiple injuries and lost a leg during a hit and run incident in March and has been recovering since then at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. | Brett Roseman~Sun-Times Media

Matthew Brown, 18, of Chicago Heights, greets Bloom High School staff before attending the school's graduation ceremony Thursday, May 31, 2012. Brown suffered multiple injuries and lost a leg during a hit and run incident in March and has been recovering since then at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. | Brett Roseman~Sun-Times Media

Matthew Brown, 18, of Chicago Heights, attends the graduation ceremony at Bloom High School Thursday, May 31, 2012. Brown suffered multiple injuries and lost a leg during a hit and run incident in March and has been recovering since then at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. | Brett Roseman~Sun-Times Media

Matthew Brown, 18, of Chicago Heights, attends the graduation ceremony at Bloom High School Thursday, May 31, 2012. Brown suffered multiple injuries and lost a leg during a hit and run incident in March and has been recovering since then at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. | Brett Roseman~Sun-Times Media

Matthew Brown, 18, of Chicago Heights, prepares to stand up from his wheelchair to accept his diploma during the graduation ceremony at Bloom High School Thursday, May 31, 2012. Brown suffered multiple injuries and lost a leg during a hit and run incident in March and has been recovering since then at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. | Brett Roseman~Sun-Times Media

Matthew Brown, 18, of Chicago Heights, stands up from his wheelchair to accept his diploma during the graduation ceremony at Bloom High School Thursday, May 31, 2012. Brown suffered multiple injuries and lost a leg during a hit and run incident in March and has been recovering since then at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. | Brett Roseman~Sun-Times Media