story and photos by michael prochaska

Clifford Lowe Sr. attends son’s
MCHS graduation despite spinal cord injury

On a warm late-spring Friday, Clifford Lowe Sr., father of Morgan County High School graduate Clifford Lowe Jr., was slowly lowered from a yellow school bus and carried to the bright green sidelines of Bill Corry Stadium. Straddling the 10- and 15-yard line, Lowe watched as his son walked gracefully to center field, sporting a black gown and cap.

Lowe’s wife, Angela, pressed hard on a bright, red bullhorn and held Lowe’s hand as he revealed a grand smile. The commencement captured the proud cheers and claps of mothers and fathers.
Weeks later Clifford Lowe Jr. said he was more proud of his father that night.
While Lowe walked the field with his graduating class, his dad remained unable to walk.
In fact, if not for the help of Morgan County Schools, Lowe Sr. would have remained Atlanta’s Shepherd Center that night, rehabilitating from a spinal cord injury he suffered from an accident at home.
Lowe received help from Bob Monk, director of operations for Morgan County Schools, in getting from Atlanta to Madison.
“I thank God that everything was made possible that we could do this,” he said.
Though Lowe was transported back to the Shepherd Center, where he currently is a patient, his wife and son will check him out Friday to spend Father’s Day weekend in Madison.
 “He can do anything,” said his son. “I knew he would be on the field at graduation, but it was cool to see him about.”
Maintaining a positive attitude on his recovery, Lowe Sr. jokes to family and friends that he’ll be able to outrun them soon.
Lowe works in the city’s Utilities Department as a meter reader.
City Manager David Nunn said he and Lowe are long-time friends.
“We were sad to hear that he was injured and are hopeful for a speedy recovery,” he said. “He’s a good family man, works very hard and he does his job really well.”
His son will attend Gainesville State in the fall and plans to transfer to the University of Georgia.