CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WCNC) - Seniors at Olympic High School in Charlotte were gathered to celebrate their final days before graduation. However, in the back of the room another life was about the change.
On May 28, the auditorium was full, and Principal Casey Jones called school resource officer R.J. Gladden to the stage, where he was met with a surprise.
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Gladden was honored as Hyundai Hometown Hero with the help of Charlotte-area Hyundai dealers and WCNC Charlotte.
He was gifted a new Hyundai Sante Fe. He received the keys as his family stood beside him.
"He's an incredible young man," said Charlotte Deputy Chief Zeru Chickoree.
Gladden is described by those close to him as someone who goes above and beyond, both on and off duty.
"I had no idea this was going to happen," Gladden said. "I've been doing this job for about 10 years now, and I do it because I love it. I never expected to get any recognition from it, but to see it be recognized by everyone else feels pretty good."