This is the first of a series of four stories highlighting Brownwood High School graduating seniors who have persevered to obtain their diploma, despite significant challenges along the way.
David Scott Colmery, II, whom everyone knows as “Boomer,” will be walking across the stage on Friday night to receive his High School diploma. He will be fulfilling the wish of his mother to see him graduate. Sadly, his mother will not be there. She passed away on October 3, 2009.
“When my mom died, I didn’t care about anything,” said Boomer. “I just wanted to quit.”
Boomer worked at Wal-Mart during the day, and attended night school from 5-9pm, five days a week. He struggled to attend class and was no longer motivated to do his work.
One night, Mr. Coley Rushing, the instructor for the Brownwood Alternative High School’s night school, asked Boomer what he thought his mom would like for him to do. It was exactly what Boomer needed to hear. “After that, I just buckled down and did it,” said Boomer.
David McCullough, the Alternative High School Principal, said, “After his mom died, he was ready to quit school and give up.” “We didn’t give up on him. When he realized that people cared about him, he realized he could do it. Once it kicked in, he got after it.”
Boomer said that his grandmother, Gale Saunders, and his sister were a big source of support for him.
This fall, Boomer will be going into the Army. “I couldn’t see myself going to college, and I’ve heard people say that if you don’t know what to do, then go into the military.” He plans on becoming a Military Police.
When asked how it feels to be graduating, Boomer said, “I feel like I have achieved something.”
Congratulations to Boomer Colmery. Brownwood ISD and your family are proud of you!
