Up until Thursday night, Farrell senior Anthony Stallworth Jr. had no idea if prom or a graduation ceremony would be in his future. 

Stallworth Jr. was tardy more than 30 times, prompting the school board to throw a flag on his chances of attending those senior activities, but days later the school board reversed that decision.

"It was last minute but I still had everything so I was very excited, ready to look good tonight, and walk across that stage," said Stallworth Jr.

More importantly, ecstatic to go to the May 27th graduation ceremony.

"Walking across the stage is my reward for the last 12 years I've been playing at this school, getting good grades, and playing sports," he added.

However, it was a decision that didn't come without controversy. 

More than 250 people took the 21 News Facebook page to debate the outcome.

Corey McCrae asked Stallworth about those saying he doesn't deserve it because of the excessive tardiness.

"Man, I'm getting it, I mean I shouldn't be as late as much times as I was.  I did have excuses but it was wrong on both parties in my eyes," Stallworth explained.  "The school didn't notify my parents, notify them that I was coming late."  

Anthony will continue both his football and academic career at the University of Akron, and while he'll attend Friday night's prom as well as the graduation ceremony later this month, he says he's learned a valuable lesson.

"I was wrong for being late, but it won't happen again though," Stallworth told 21 News.

21 News has reached out to the school district numerous times. Specifically, we wanted to know why the reverse in its decision, but have yet to get a response.