4.0 student receives surprise proposal at commencement
Ashley Nelson thought she was coming on stage at her Bridgewater State University commencement Saturday afternoon to be recognized for her perfect, 4.0 GPA.
And she was—in part.
After announcing her high marks though, university President Dana Mohler-Faria said, “There is someone else here who would like to ask you a question.’’
And that’s when the ruse was up. Nelson knew it, the crowd knew it: her boyfriend, senior Josh Tillinghast, was going to propose.
“Ashley, you’re my best friend in the world. I love you so much,’’ a—we assume—very nervous Tillinghast said on stage.
“I don’t think there’s anybody who could break the bond we share together—except maybe that guy who’s sitting over there,’’ he continued, presumably pointing to Nelson’s father.
“I feel like we were made for each other.’’
“Awwwwwwww,’’ the crowd responded.
“I just love you so much. With your father’s blessing, will you marry me?’’ Tillinghast asked.
After saying, “Yes,’’ and giving her new fiancé a kiss, Nelson, a Pennsylvania native, took the mic and thanked the crowd for sharing the “awesome moment’’ with her.
“I had no idea,’’ she said.
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