BERTHOUD, Colo. -- There were many smiles in Berthoud on Saturday for a senior who has been through a lot, but has taught so many through his own perseverance.

Graduating senior Tyler Carron had set the goal for himself to walk during Berthoud High's graduation and accept his diploma after he lost both his legs in a tragic crash earlier this year.

He said there wasn't a doubt in his mind that he could make it happen.

"No, there wasn't. I was pretty determined I'd walk," he said.

Carron's close friend Nikko Landeros, who also lost both his legs in the Jan. 15 crash, sat in the crowd and watched as Carron made his way across the stage.

The teens were changing a tire on County Road 17 when they were struck by an oncoming vehicle driven by a fellow student. Both boys were pinned between the vehicles and had both their legs amputated as a result of injuries they suffered.

Both boys were recently fitted with customized, computerized prosthetic legs.

"We're pretty close. I was excited (Nikko) walked here too," Carron said.

Friends and family wore T-shirts that read, "Walking into the future."

While there was some focus on Carron, Saturday was about an entire class who learned together how strength and support can have a lasting impact on entire community.

Some 171 students graduated from Berthoud High in the class of 2007.

Landeros graduates next year.

Carron now plans to attend Front Range Community College.