Despite pouring rain Monday morning, throngs of Princeton University graduates gathered on Cannon Green for their Class Day ceremonies, where a local teen was made an honorary class member and actor Steve Carell addressed the students.

Derek DiGregorio, 14, of Princeton, received the loud cheers as he was inducted as an honorary member of the class.

Derek has touched the hearts of many throughout the Princeton community and the Class of 2012, said John Monagle, class treasurer, as he introduced the boy during the ceremony. Hes had a deep impact on many of our classmates Princeton experiences.

Derek, an eighth grader at John Witherspoon Middle School, was born 14 years ago with a disease called ataxia telagiectasia (A-T) that will eventually rob him of movement, compromise his immune system and may cause cancer.

Derek has worked to raise awareness of A-T and to support families who are also facing the disease, said Mr. Monagle, who noted to loud cheers, that the boy is a five-time world champion in tae kwon do and a gold medalist in bowling at the New Jersey Special Olympics. Dereks story is one of courage, passion and determination. He lives the values Princetonians hope to embody and Im honored to present Derek as an honorary class member of the Class of 2012.

According to Derek, the honor was awesome, and he plans to wear his class jacket to school on June 5.

It felt really, really good and it was very special to be a part of something like that, said Derek after returning home from the ceremony and lunch party on campus.

Dereks father, Steve DiGregorio, is a former Princeton University football coach from 1987 to 1999 who left the team to spend more time with his son.

I dont have words; this is so overwhelming for all of us, said Mr. DiGregorio. We got word two and a half, three weeks ago that this was going on, and we are so overwhelmed. My wife and I are very grateful for all of this and very grateful to the senior class for doing this for Derek and making it such a special day for our family.

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PRICETON: Steve Carell addresses class of 2012