This is Andy
Public speaking is not easy for some of us, but imagine being special needs! Last night Bike man participated as a contest judge for the annual Conservation & Environmental Awareness Speaking Contest in Menomonie, WI. Quite an honor for Bike man! So I decided to come along to listen to the student speeches that dealt with all kinds of environmental issues. There just happen to be about seven or eight students from our school district that were competing in this event. It was fun to sit and listen to their individual speeches about the concerns of sand mining, water quality, endangered species, wetlands and the troubles with the Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area and the recent wildfires.
One particular student, Andy, did an awesome job talking about Wisconsin wetlands, why wetlands are so important ecological speaking and why we need to regulate the problem of over development in wetland areas in Wisconsin. Good stuff.....lots of passion.....and guess what? Andy is autistic! Over the years I've watched Andy grow and mature. Standing in front of an audience and speaking for 8 minutes is not easy, but Andy gave his all last night. His biggest thrill was earning his first ever trophy last night for first place in the contest. The smile said it all.....so happy for him.
One particular student, Andy, did an awesome job talking about Wisconsin wetlands, why wetlands are so important ecological speaking and why we need to regulate the problem of over development in wetland areas in Wisconsin. Good stuff.....lots of passion.....and guess what? Andy is autistic! Over the years I've watched Andy grow and mature. Standing in front of an audience and speaking for 8 minutes is not easy, but Andy gave his all last night. His biggest thrill was earning his first ever trophy last night for first place in the contest. The smile said it all.....so happy for him.
I commend Andy...and all public speakers. They have courage that a lot of us don't have. Please tell him when you see him again that Ms. Jackie gives him TWO THUMBS UP!! Good going, Andy!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh what a great story! The look on his face says it all. I wouldn't want to stand up and give a speech either so kudos to him for facing the challenge and doing it well!
ReplyDeleteAndy is a great kid! He even sings solos at the school concerts. What an accomplishment!
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