Mike Epps is officially a high school graduate.
The Indianapolis native got his start in entertainment at an early age and began performing standup routines as a teenager before landing a spot on Def Comedy Jam in 1995. Although he’s since gone on to build a successful career as an actor and comedian with nearly 20 years of film and television accomplishments under his belt, receiving his high school diploma on Friday was undoubtedly one of his proudest moments.
Speaking candidly to the Arsenal Technical High School class of 2016, Mike opened up about his own struggle with realizing the importance of education as a young person. “This is so emotional to me because I didn’t get a chance to graduate like this. And now I’m 45 years old and just to be amongst you guys is such blessing,” he told the students. “I’m so proud of you and I want you to continue to keep pushing on and go to college and get as many degrees as you can. My beautiful mama that’s sitting in the audience she told me when I was young, she said, “Mike, one day you’re gonna wish you would’ve gotten your education.”
Mike’s mother Mary, oldest daughter Bria and granddaughter were also on hand to celebrate his big day. Bria shared this message of congratulations to her dad on her Twitter page shortly after the ceremony.
My true hero ♥️ #ProudDaughter @therealmikeepps pic.twitter.com/xCMCwbeNJI
— Bria Epps (@_Briyonceee_) May 20, 2016
Kudos to Mike Epps for never giving up!