Mario Woods' posthumously awarded H.S. diploma; mother tearfully accepts

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - Wednesday was graduation day at Five Keys Charter High School in San Francisco. The 84 students had never finished high school, but they all came back to earn their diplomas. However, one student— the late 26-year-old Mario Woods, was missing. 

His mother Gwen Woods, came to the ceremony and with tears in her eyes accepted his diploma on his behalf.
   
"Every day I think if I can get him back. I just want my baby back. It’s a day-to-day struggle," said Woods.
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Mario Woods was shot to death by police in December who say he had stabbed someone and was carrying a knife.
  
It's a case that has created a firestorm of controversy for the city, and sadness for his family

Woods absence was felt throughout the graduation.
 
One of his former teachers, Tyson Amir, read a poem dedicated to Woods.

"May we never lose our love for him. May we never lose our hope that we will win. And his leaving will not be in vain."

In perhaps the most poignant moment, when Mario Woods’ name was called during the ceremony, his mother, with tears in her eyes, walked up to accept his diploma to a standing ovation.

The shooting is still under investigation. SFPD Chief Greg Suhr says all five officers involved in the shooting are back on the job, assigned to desk duty. away from the public.

There have been a series of town-hall and community meetings, as well as protests and even calls for Suhr’s resignation in the wake of Woods’ shooting death.

Gwen Woods says she hopes her son's death brings change, especially how those with mental problems are treated.

But for now, she is going home with her son's last achievement.

"He said that's what my mama would want. And I want to make her proud. And I am proud of my child," said Woods.

You can watch Amir's poem dedication to Woods' here: