- Now to a story of determination and dedication. A teen who made his way to his middle-school graduation despite a major challenge. ABC's Mona Kosar-Abdi is here with the details. Mona, good morning to you. - Janai, good morning. I cannot wait to bring this story to you guys because 14-year-old Xavier Jones didn't let any obstacle stop him from attending his eighth-grade graduation and securing that diploma. And this morning, the teen is getting even more support and love to further his journey. - It feels great that I'm helping kids achieve their goals. MONA KOSAR ABDI: On the morning of his eighth-grade graduation, 14-year-old Xavier Jones was confronted with a problem. His grandfather's car broke down, and he didn't have a way to get across town to Harris-Stowe State University, the historically Black college where his graduation was being held. So the teen decided to make the six-mile journey on foot accompanied by his brother and friend. - The reason why I did it was to get my diploma. MONA KOSAR ABDI: Two hours later, the 4.0 GPA student made it to the stage and got his diploma. Harris-Stowe University so moved by his determination that the school's president offered Xavier a full scholarship that included tuition and books. - I wasn't really expecting a full-ride scholarship to Harris-Stowe. I was just very excited for the awards that I got. MONA KOSAR ABDI: The university's president, impressed with Xavier's dedication-- - It spoke resilience for a kid who wanted to press his way regardless to what adversity, regardless of the fact that he didn't have transportation, he was still determined to come and be present. MONA KOSAR ABDI: But there was one more surprise waiting for Xavier before he enters high school. - There you go. MONA KOSAR ABDI: Miami Dolphins offensive lineman, Terron Armstead, presenting the teen's family with a new minivan and gifting Xavier with an e-bike. TERRON ARMSTEAD: I'll just encourage our young people to be more like Xavier, just be self-driven, motivated, and keep going. No matter the adversity or obstacles, keep going, blessings are coming. - One beautiful message there. And Xavier says that he hopes to be a NASCAR driver one day, but it's his race to cross the academic finish line that has earned him all these honors-- next up, a driver's license. - Yeah, there you go. - That's a nice accomplishment. - Yeah, he looks good on that e-bike, though, in the meantime. - Yes. - They call it the Show-Me State. He certainly showed people his determination. - You got that right. - Yeah. - I like that. - Thank you, Mona.