Sebastian Williams remembers how big Austin High School seemed when he first transferred from Pacelli High School during his sophomore year.

“It was just a big environment,” he said. “I wasn’t used to a big environment.”

Yet he overcame the nerves the same way he got through high school: by working hard.

Williams, who is a President’s Education Awards Program honoree, is excited to graduate from AHS. What’s more, he’s the first among his siblings to graduate, setting the standard for his younger brothers and sisters.

“I can’t believe it was real,” he said after graduation Friday.

He’s planning to go to Riverland Community College, where he’ll study mechanical engineering or construction, depending on where his interests take him.

“I really fantasize about cars, and I’m a real handyman,” he said.

Yet crossing the stage to accept his diploma is a big accomplishment in its own right, one Williams thanks God and his family for.

“To be honest, I’m really thankful,” he said.

He gives a lot of credit to his mother, who always pushed him to be successful.

“Making my mom proud, that’s the only thing,” he said. “I’ll do anything to make her proud.”