DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Graduation season is always a time to celebrate, but for one group of students in Decatur, this year it means a little more. Not only did students get to walk across the stage, they were able to do it in style.

Students at Futures Unlimited and Milligan Academy got the chance to graduate in a cap and gown on Friday. During previous years, they just didn’t have the money for it. A school counselor said they’re one of the first groups at the school to earn this opportunity.

More than 55 students at the school in Decatur walked across the stage wearing the typical graduation attire.

“It gives that traditional feel and a lot of our students have even said they wish they had that, like their home school would have had for them,” said counselor Kyla Poland. “So, giving them that here is just really special.”

But what’s not typical is actually seeing students in a cap and gown.

“I’ve been with the programs for about six to seven years, and in that timeframe, we haven’t had caps and gowns,” Poland said.

But then.

“We are able to purchase the gowns and caps and tassels for our students through a ‘She Gave’ grant,” Poland said.

The funding came through the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. Last year, they got nearly $4,000 for ceremonial attire, and this year they received $4,500. Students said not only are they happy to wear the graduation attire, they’re also proud to make it through the finish line.

“For me it means that I am blessed for one and also means a lot to even be right here and graduating early,” said graduate Rickiya Neal.

Rickiya Neal is thankful to cherish this moment with her loved ones. Her mom Lawanda has been diagnosed with sickle cell since birth.

“It’s God, much prayer because it was hard for her,” Lawanda Neal said. “A lot of times she had to miss school because I went into a crisis. Sometimes she was in school worried about me, knowing I went into a crisis. She goes and thank God for Futures.”

She said now she’s blessed to see her daughter become a high school graduate.

“I can’t wait to see what’s next in her own business,” Lawanda said. “And I’m praying to God, keep me here to see that.”

Rickiya said she’ll be working at Bath & Body Works and pursuing a career in cosmetology.