April is #AutismAcceptanceMonth, and throughout the month, we will be working to share information about autism with our community while we highlight students, staff, and families.
Autism is love. Acceptance. A different way of looking at life. For Bridge Street Middle School 8th graders,TJ and Gianni, autism is Dairy Queen, good grades, choosing high school electives, anime, movies, and walks to the playground. “Autism is just life, and life is good,” states TJ.
We met with TJ and Gianni last year at the start of Autism Acceptance Month, and they agreed to another sit down this year. This duo is bound for a variety show with the amount of laughs we endured during our meeting!
One example:
TJ: “Why does the flag have only thirteen stripes and 50 stars?”
Mrs. Butyn: “For the 50 states and 13 original colonies.”
TJ: “I knew that. It was an April Fool’s joke.”
Gianni: “YOU DID NOT KNOW THAT!”
Their comedic timing is perfect. And looking at Gianni and TJ, they’re pretty perfect too. They’ve known each other since kindergarten at Elm Grove Elementary, became friends in 5th grade, and are now preparing to head to Wheeling Park High School together. TJ is interested in art, speech, theater and will continue with band. Gianni is checking out coding and the art of film. They’re nervous and excited for what’s next.
“Everyone’s a little bit different,” TJ states, “I mean, I have a black shirt on and Gianni has a red shirt on. Gianni has Nikes. I guess I have Nikes on too. So we’re the same on the shoe game,” TJ adds laughing. “TJ IS the funny one,” Gianni states.
Thanks for hanging out with us, gentlemen! It was EASILY the highlight of our day!
TJ and Gianni are pictured here withh TJ’s mom, BSMS school secretary, Mrs. Ullom.
#StudentStories #StudentSpotlights