Twice Exceptional

[Timothy Gangwer]

If I could speak, these might be my very words….to the students of GHS

I was blown away Friday night when you chose to crown my friend Jared and I as GHS’S Homecoming
King and Queen. One thing you might now know is over 15 years ago, my heart
stopped beating for 20 minutes and left my body broken and my brain injured.
None of the doctors believed I would live much less ever smile again. So when
God chose to give me back my smile I knew I would always have to share it with
who ever was nearby.

When you grow up different than most kids in the world, you begin to adjust and understand those differences might not ever be accepted or
celebrated but even less likely to be honored. Jared and I have never been
recognized as we were on Friday night. We will never forget what it felt like…
the lights, the band, the thousands of students cheering us on; it was our
first true moment of acceptance and love from everyone collectively. Even if I
could speak I would never be able to fully express or think you would fully understand the significance
of what you did. When my name was announced I felt the magnitude of God’s love
for me through the choice that you made.

You chose to honor Jared and me in a way that we could never have attained or accomplished on our own. You looked beyond our weaknesses and
differences to sweetly bless us in a way that was more a reflection of your
character than anything else. This past Friday, GHS stood out in a way that
will be remembered for many years to come not only by Jared and me but by
everyone who witnessed it from the stands. GHS you set an example for the
younger generation that could only wonder why you didn’t pick the most
beautiful or most popular girl and guy. Your vote might begin to teach those
younger to place value on all people no matter whether they are able to attain
straight A’s or just give the gift
of a smile. I ask that each of you will continue to go out of your way to
interact with students like us….we crave that encouragement from you! Don’t
worry how we respond, it will probably be different than what is comfortable
but don’t stop…you make us great! Peer Buddies you truly do lift the students
of CBI high on Eagles Wings…thank
you for choosing to hang out with students like us.

And finally to my teachers….thanks for always believing not only in me but also in every
“special” student in CBI. Without each of you and your contagious love, this
would have never happened. Your daily patience with each of us keeps us
striving towards reaching our God
given potential.

Next time you look up into a night sky, I want you to think of each heart at Georgetown High School and know that Friday night your hearts
shone brighter than any of the stars!

Proverbs 13:12 says “Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.Georgetown High School is a tree of life
not only to Jared and I but to every “special” student.

With a smile,

Gracie Kiltz