Our A+ award goes to a 12-year-old student who won an award from the Ohio Department of Education for excelling at school. Joey Lykins, a sixth grader at Clearfork Middle School in Bellville, won the R.A. Horn award, which is presented to an exemplary special education student from each of Ohio's 16 State Support Team regions.
When Joey did not start speaking by the time he was 2-years-old, his parents took him in to see a doctor. Joey was diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder. They knew at that point they would all have to work hard to help Joey reach his full potential.
"That’s the promise you make to yourself and your child,” Joey's mother Marta said.
Ever since Joey was a toddler, he’s been working really hard on developing his speech skills and his social skills. Joey's also been working hard at school!
According to his mom, Joey is “ just an ambitious, creative” kid who has “a great sense of humor" and “a great attitude all the time.”
During third and fourth grade, Joey scored “proficient” in English Language Arts on his state tests. On his fourth grade math exam, he earned accelerated marks.
Joey’s received some great support along the way. Joey, along with his former teacher Gabriel Dannemiller (DAN-miller) and intervention specialist Jeff Proto, were all nominated for their great work together while he attended Butler Elementary School.
“Mr. Dannemiller really just had the patience and is an amazing math teacher. He bent over backwards for Joey and was just always there," Marta said.
The banquet for the R.A. Horn award was cancelled due to the pandemic, but Joey, his teachers and his family celebrated with cake outside of school instead.
Joey said winning the award made him feel “happy.” He likes to “study” and he has many other interests like art. He really likes to play soccer and other sports!
You are a great kid, Joey! We’re proud to award you, your family, your teachers and aids with this week’s A+ award, and we’re happy that you are thriving at school!
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