Orland Park First Grader Is Mom's Hero, She Says: Star Student

ORLAND PARK, IL — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

This submission comes from Sabrina who nominated RayRay, 1st grader, of Orland Park.

Star local student’s name

RayRay

Star local student’s home state

Illinois

How do you know the star local student?

Proud Mother

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

The most motivated & determined student since pre-K! Aside from how sweet RayRay is, you’d just be absolutely amazed at how far he’s come! RayRay is on the spectrum (ASD) & started off in pre-K3 being a completely nonverbal student. From Centennial to Center & now Prairie School, he has progressed SO MUCH, looking back, he’s came SUCH a long way, you’d be amazed! All the D135 teachers, paras, therapists, social workers, administrators, every school staff member that’s worked with him have been nothing short of the most amazing frontline hero’s that have been there helping him every step of the way, he’s shown so much determination & they made sure it was returned with their dedication, giving him all the tools he’s needed to be able to start communicating & pushed to become actively verbalizing the communication skills he’s since acquired. Today, he verbally gets by showing the want to become a bit more social being friendly to neighbors in the neighborhood, always asking to be the “helper” in comfortable surroundings & continues to amaze every medical professional that warned the odds weren’t in his favor or being able to do all that he has already accomplished! Autism stereotypical behavior of Autism (which is such a huge spectrum) is definitely recognized & never to be “corrected” or changed, not in our household, calling myself a proud autism mom is a huge understatement, but more than that, being RAYRAY’S mom… I couldn’t imagine anything that would beat that, I’m so proud of the kindhearted boy I have, who has such a brilliant mind it’s incredible being a part of his journey, wherever that takes him. It's clear he wants to lead the future with his love & dedication to having productive days which always fuels his positive energy and kind acts.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

Most look up to their hero, but I’m definitely raising mine! RayRay will always have me as his advocate but he’s definitely my hero. Truth: the atypical life he’s shown me confirms I’ll always be learning plenty from him each and every day & I can only grow more from it, typical life just wouldn’t have given me the same. Especially not the awareness.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future,RayRay 1st grade!

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