Warren Star Student Is An Outspoken, Passionate Advocate For Special Ed Kids

WARREN, NJ — 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 Leanna Wellerding who nominated Johannes, a 2022 Watchung Hills Regional High School graduate of Warren.

Star local student’s name

Johannes

Star local student’s home state

New Jersey

How do you know the star local student?

My son

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

This summer, Johannes of Terminus Industries (and '22 WHRHS grad) and his mother brought the basics of CAD and 3D design to special-ed students in the Extended School Year program of the Watchung School District, in a series of six workshops.

Following an open call for volunteers for the summer program, Johannes and his mother developed a workshop format for each of the three grade levels served: Pre-K, K-3rd and 4th-7th and submitted it for board approval. In July, classes welcomed the team to their schools. Students enjoyed several read-aloud selections from STEM based books, sourced from the Warren Township Public Library, before Johannes led them through the basics of CAD and 3d design, via a slideshow presentation. Students then delighted in some hands-on demos of both a working 3d printer (which printed a small Transformers head while they watched) and prototypes of recent Terminus Industries designs.

Pre-K students used their art skills to draw basic shapes and collaborated to create a unique class bug. A photo of their design was then converted into an SVG file and edited into a workable print.

K-3rd students got an intro to TinkerCad on their chromebooks, and with the aid of staff and the Wellerdings, designed their Super Summer Hero Nametags.

4th-7th students, already somewhat familiar with TinkerCad, independently designed their own containers in an array of creative shapes and sizes.

Two weeks of printing and post-processing each prototype, and the team returned to the Watchung School District to present the students with their printed designs, engage in further CAD and 3d discussion, and lead the students in arts projects to decorate their new designs.

The team was delighted to bring STEM education to special-ed students, and hopes that their workshop not only taught students how to creatively problem-solve but inspired each one to find their passion and build a life that works for them.

Johannes, currently taking a gap year before pursuing a degree in BioMedical Engineering and prosthetic development, has been an outspoken and passionate advocate for the disabled community since he first spoke out at a local school board meeting as a middle schooler, passionately advocating for a reduction in the stigma and bullying of special-needs students such as himself.

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

Johannes, at a remarkably young age, has reflected on the painful experiences of his early years as an autistic student, and poured his passion into advocating for acceptance and support, developing new resources for special-needs students and their families, and creating experiences like these workshops to help other special-needs scholars find their own passions, strengths and empowerment.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Johannes!

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