Restored Faith in Humanity

I don't use my blog to talk about my students. I respect their role and mine and try to generalize our experiences for the world. But what happened last week is not something I can overlook and it needs to be shared, but I have changed the names to protect those I'm mentioning.......

This is one of the best group of kids I've had the honor of working with. I don't worry that these students will grow up lacking values, or empathy, or compassion. I know first hand what these students can do. I am one of three teachers that helps with the Student Council at Fairmont High School (my role is quite small compared to Sara Gudahl, she thrives as their advisor). Last week we, the advisors, counted the ballots for homecoming. The senior class votes for 10 students (5 girls, 5 boys) to represent them on the homecoming court.

Now I must admit, I'm not always a fan of homecoming. I love the tradition of coming back to your high school, the week long activities, ironman volleyball, powderpuff football, and then topping it off with the football game on Friday night. What I don't like are the tears of not getting on the court, the drama between those that did and did not. Every girl should get a crown just for surviving to their senior year of high school. Every boy should be king for a day.

We counted, double checked, and compiled approximately 140+ ballots this year. In doing this, we compare names that seem to be receiving larger numbers. As the dust settled and final candidates surfaced, the integrity of this class of students was evident. John was voted to be one of the candidates. I have know John  since 7th grade. I have watched him grow up, mature, develop into an amazing human being. He has built relationships with his teachers and the student body. John is loved by his classmates, teachers, anyone that knows him. In fact, in one of my classes, before the ballots were distributed, a fellow senior stated "I want to get him on the homecoming court" and instantly the rest of the class piped up in agreement. And know we know they did it!

Now you're probably thinking he would be the obvious choice to be chosen by his peers. I'm sure many of you have a "John" that comes to mind, and you're probably thinking to yourself he's the stereo-typical candidate, and you're right, he is. So what makes this story so special and brought tears to all our eyes? John is autistic. Does that change your thoughts?