As a freshman at Bellefontaine High School four years ago, Jonathan Thornton set a goal that many students hope to achieve — to be selected as a member of the BHS National Honor Society. But Jonathan is not an average student. He is above average and he is autistic.
|
Jonathan Thornton lights a candle as part of his recent induction into the Bellefontaine High School National Honor Society chapter. (PHOTO | LOGAN COUNTY BOARD OF DD) |
Explaining what being autistic means to him, Jonathan said “It means your brain works differently than others. You’re still smart. But it’s harder to tell people about feelings and what you think.”
Even before he understood his diagnosis, Jonathan has always been clear about wanting to help others, according to his mother, Darlene Thornton.
“In elementary school, Jon was first to volunteer for the Buddy Club to eat lunch with kids who had autism. That was ironic.”
Since then his dedication to service has only grown.
“He wants to be part of every club, which has been good for him. He has been involved in more than any kid at BHS,” said BHS intervention specialist Rick Reed.
Throughout high school, Jonathan has been active in such service clubs as Agape, DARE, Interact, FCCLA and Red Cross Club. His involvement in show choir in elementary school also sparked a love of music and drama and he has been in eight BHS plays as part of Drama Club, the production of Our Town at the Holland Theatre, taken eight years of piano lessons and he’s had roles or was part of the chorus in the last four BHS musicals.
When Jonathan applied to be considered for the BHS chapter of NHS during his junior year, adviser JoAnne Aburto said he upheld all the key pillars of the group — scholarship, service, leadership and character — except one.
When he was not tapped as a junior, his mother said Jonathan was crushed. “He had his heart set on it and he didn’t make it. He was upset and he pleaded his case.”
Mr. Reed explained that autism-related sensory overload would sometimes lead Jonathan to lash out in class or put his hands on teachers when aggravated. The NHS selection committee challenged Jonathan to find better ways to channel his frustrations, then reapply his senior year.
Mr. Reed said the extra motivation has worked wonders. “He has had a really good year. I went to Mrs. Aburto and asked, is NHS still on the table?”
Aburto agreed that Jonathan had succeeded. “He has matured very much and he is aware that every action has a consequence.”
In mid-March, Jonathan’s friend, Sierra Roberts, entered Mr. Reed’s room to tap Jonathan. “I was excited and surprised!”
Jonathan was inducted in the chapter in a ceremony with several other students in early April, making his mother emotional. “I’m just so proud because he has worked so hard,” Ms. Thornton said.
Achieving his goal of induction to the chapter makes Jonathan a student to admire for students of all abilities.
“That’s big for us in our unit to see,” said Mr. Reed.
Jonathan said being tapped is his favorite memory of high school so far, but he has a big month ahead. Jonathan will join his classmates at graduation ceremonies May 27.
After that, he will begin job training and job development skills at RTC Industries with aspirations to become a cook.