High School, Special Needs Students, and Winning a Game

Recently, media sports departments across St. Louis have been heralding the unbelievable winning shot by a special school district student at a Kirkwood High School basketball game. Now this story grabs my attention on several levels - let me explain.

Kirkwood High School is my alma mater - I'm class of 1980 - so, of course, I'm proud that Kirkwood had a good game. It's great that this young man's shot won the game - no doubt. I think it's wonderful that Kirkwood and the basketball team welcomed and nurtured this young man to realize his dream. This brings tears to my eyes and makes me believe that there are good people out there - especially in my old high school. The news media hasn't really mentioned David Stillman's special needs; there really isn't any reason to. David clearly had all the support and then some to overcome whatever those needs were. His family and teammates are all very proud of him - and they should be.

My son has Aspbergers Syndrome. When he entered Ritenour, he wanted to try out for the swim team. The athletic director encouraged it. I spoke to the swim coach who also encouraged Jack to try out. While Jack is socially awkward out of the water, in the water he is a totally different kid. Or at least he used to be. He tried for a week to pass all the tests for the team and didn't make it. A couple of the boys teased him. The coach pretty much informed me that she didn't have time for him. The other members of the team seemed supportive but nothing much more came of it. Jack never went back. I placed him in classes at a public pool in St. Ann, hoping to improve his strength, stamina and confidence. The instructors there didn't want to waste their time with him either. Jack has never been back to a pool since.

I hope the Stillman family knows just how fortunate they are to have such a supportive environment for David. This young man will always treasure his great accomplishment for the rest of his life. I wish I could say the same for Jack. I don't know why Ritenour would not help him more. Kirkwood is a wealthier school district than Ritenour, but that's no excuse to discourage the efforts of a special needs child. Jack just wanted to be a part of something and was denied the chance. David became a part of Kirkwood history because someone gave him a chance.

Congratulations David on a great game.