Thousands of Maritime students walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas this week. For graduate Michael Rumsby, all of the exams and homework were only a small part of his journey.

Rumsby was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor in grade eight.

After rounds of radiation, chemo, and surgeries, he received another blow - doctors had discovered a second brain tumor.

Many people thought he would not live to see his high school graduation, however, Rumsby had other plans.

“There was a period, before my stem cell transplant, that my doctor said something could go wrong and I might not make it,” recalls Rumsby. “When we were going through this, I didn't let myself get beyond the next treatment. You know, everything was day by day.”

Thankfully, Rumsby did recover. He's now in remission and his future is looking bright.

Rumsby says laughing, staying physically active, and a positive attitude were key factors in his recovery.

“I know that's what got me through my treatments and stuff and I just know, every day we wake up is a good day,” says Rumsby.

Over the years, Rumsby has bravely shared his battle with CTV as part of the IWK Telethon and has been an inspiration to other children going through similar illnesses.

Now, Rumbsy has another chance to inspire, as the valedictorian at his graduation ceremony.

“I've written a few speeches over the years about myself and my story. If someone asked me if it was hard to write a speech, I would undoubtedly say no, but that was when I was speaking about myself,” says Rumsby.

He will deliver his speech in front of about 200 classmates, teachers, and his proud mother.

“I've finally let myself be happy and it's ok to look into the future and that we have a future, he has a future and today's the day, today's the next part of his life,” says Michelle Rumsby, Michael’s mother.

Rumsby made the Principal’s List, he’s graduating with a bilingual certificate, and was recently awarded the IWK foundation’s Robbie and Jean Shaw Scholarship.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Alyse Hand