High school senior survives shooting, walks for graduation with bullet still lodged in cheek

DUBLIN, Ga. (WMAZ) - Walking across the stage at high school graduation is a symbolic milestone for many seniors.

For one Georgia high schooler, it took on a bigger meaning after he was shot three times just weeks before graduation.

Quantavis Lovett, 18, says he was determined to get his diploma even with a bullet still lodged in his cheek.

The reported shooting occurred on May 5. The Dublin High School senior said the day started like any other, as he looked forward to his graduation and to celebrating with family.

But that all changed when someone reportedly opened fire while he was out.

“I just got shot … and I was like, I can’t die. I just kept saying that in my head,” Lovett said.

Three bullets struck the Dublin high schooler. One tore through his neck and ended up being lodged in his cheek.

For two days, his family kept vigil as he lay on life support.

“I couldn’t talk for the first day because my throat was sore, but I saw my family when I opened my eyes and told them, ‘I’m OK,’” Lovett said.

But the road ahead was far from over. Though in recovery, Lovett had one thing on his mind: walking at graduation.

“I asked the doctor if I was going to be able to walk, like across the stage, and he said he thought so. So, it relieved me of everything,” Lovett said.

Less than two weeks later, he kept that promise to himself.

“I felt great when I walked across the stage. I heard a lot of people screaming. They were even relieved that I could walk,” Lovett said.

For Lovett, that walk meant more than a diploma; it marked the start of a turning point. He plans to study computer science at Clark Atlanta University this fall.

Authorities said there have been no immediate arrests made related to the shooting.