BETHLEHEM, Pa. – An inspiring story of perseverance at Saturday’s commencement for Penn State Lehigh Valley at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

John Lahutsky was born with cerebral palsy in Russia and abandoned at an orphanage when he was just 18 months old.

He did not start attending school until he was 9 years old, after being adopted and moving to Bethlehem. Now he is a college graduate.

Lahutsky says he’s grateful to have been given the opportunity to earn his bachelor’s degree.

“I have so much appreciation for education because it was denied for me for so many years when I was in the Russian orphanage system,” he said.

Lahutsky majored in corporate communication. He is now set to complete an internship.