What defines Kelly is not her disability, but her ability to love and be kind to others. She is able to do what so many of us struggle with, which is telling people how much she loves them; Kelly is the definition of unconditional love. All of these traits are why her classmates voted her their Homecoming Queen this year.
Zoey began to draw when she was about three, but by age six her skills were really blossoming! Now nine, she spends most days drawing in her art notebook quite a bit - always eager to show us her latest works of art! She also loves to color, paint, and do crafts - as well as play barbies, go to the park, swim, see movies, spend time with friends, and so much more!!
As many people with Autism, Joe found a passion as a young kid. It is art, especially ink drawing. Joe’s high school experience was cut short due to Epilepsy, but he did eventually graduate in 2019! In 2020, while COVID kept everyone at home, Joe’s mom and he designed an art studio out of a bedroom, creating Artfully Joe. He is selling his art now! Joe’s mom, Colleen, is his manager.
Ellie is a light. She radiates joy and relishes the everyday ordinary. Ellie asks everyone she meets ‘how are you doing?’, and, actually waits for a response. She is devoid of judgement. We like to say her “super power” is compassion. She can sense sadness and pain in others, and is quick to offer words of encouragement, a touch or a hug. It was not surprising when she wrote her poem, titled, “Friends” which inspired her role as a Maximizer.
Gabe has been diagnosed with NPC (Niemann-Picks Type C). NPC symptoms include: gaze palsy, loss of cognition, swallow/speech, motor control and balance. When he was in high school he held quarterback sack records in same school as a famous NFL player of today. Gabe also enjoyed skateboarding. The disease took this from him. He wants to create a legacy with his art that will inspire and persevere.
