By Natalie Palumbo

Early in the summer, I received a letter notifying me that my school district was honoring me for ‘My Career Dreams’ poster during the June district meeting.  My entry for the National Career Development Poster Contest had placed first in state, and third place nationally.  The June meeting date, as well as the July date, fell during my Precollege session at Ringling College of Art and Design.  Thankfully, the district rescheduled me for August on the last day of summer vacation.

I spent that day organizing my supplies for the first day of school, and finally getting my learner’s permit.  This is my senior year.  My older brother Anthony has low verbal autism, and aged out of special education services June 2012, and is now home full time with my mom.  Anthony is prone to very loud echolalia which he can’t control.  Family events requiring a respectful silence are handled by one parent staying home with Anthony, and the other parent attending the event.  My father’s work schedule had interfered with many of my art recognitions over the years.  My mother did not want him to miss another opportunity, so my dad accompanied me and my mother stayed home with Anthony.

When my father and I arrived at the district auditorium, we were told that I was also being recognized for my senior project work, which led to my becoming a contributing editor for Age of Autism.  This came as a complete surprise.  We were prepared for my art acknowledgment, but had no idea there would be any recognition for Age of Autism.  My father was very proud they wanted to extend dual recognition.  However, it was emotionally bittersweet to have one child being recognized for accomplishments inspired by the other more vulnerable one.  We both couldn’t help but wonder what Anthony’s accomplishments might have been if autism hadn’t come to call.  Even our happy moments have a little pain underneath.

In attendance was Melissa Rawl, principal of Lexington High School, and Ken Lake, the principal of Lexington Technology Center.  The Board of Trustees welcomed everyone, and said the meeting would be brief because the school year was starting the next day.  They handed out a newsletter entitled “Proof Positive” which honors students and teachers receiving state, national, and international awards.  I was categorized under “Visual Arts Awards”.