NORWOOD (CBS) – The Norwood teen paralyzed in a hockey accident more than two years ago graduated from Norwood High School on Sunday.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Kim Tunnicliffe reports.

The accident left Matt Brown paralyzed from the chest down.

“When I was hurt, I didn’t think of graduating. I mean, I really didn’t know what to think when I got hurt school-wise, but hat’s when I gotta fall back on such a great community that really pushed me through this,” said Matt, who added that he was “sad, but very excited” about graduating.

Matt received a special gold diploma given out to exceptional students by Norwood High School’s principal.

Matt’s parents couldn’t be more proud of their son.

Matt Brown (Photo Credit: Kim Tunnicliffe/WBZ NewsRadio 1030)

“Very soon after his accident, school was the least of our problems, so to come back physically and to graduate is huge,” said Sue Brown, Matt’s mother.

“It’s a pretty amazing thing to call your son ‘my hero,’ which he is. I see him every day and the way he handles everything that’s been thrown at him. He’s made it easy on us, and I thank him for that and couldn’t be more proud of him,” said Mike Brown, Matt’s father.

Matt is headed to Stonehill College in the fall and will live on campus.