Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Best & Brightest

Here's an article about a teen with Asperger's who is committed to social justice. I wonder if the President will invite him to the White House? With all the hoopla over Jason M, let's not forget that kids with disabilities can do a lot more than shoot hoops.

"“Growing up with Asperger’s syndrome (a high-functioning form of autism) has been an exercise,” [Joel] Northam said, “but overcoming it helps strengthen my resolve.”
...Northam’s goal is to make a difference in the lives of others. Northam is a magnet for social-justice issues, taking on causes such as food drives for hurricane evacuees, peer counseling on drug abuse and teen pregnancy through Team Engage, and building a house for a needy Mexican family during a spring break mission trip to Juarez. “I’m committed to social justice. I was taught we shouldn’t just go through life without leaving something behind,” Northam said. “I like helping people and knowing their concerns, and having a disability gives me the insight and the ability to relate to people.” “Joel’s activism extends far beyond lively classroom discussion on political matters; he is making a difference wherever he goes, living out by example the values and convictions he wants others to share,” said Bruce Casson, one of Northam’s teachers."

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