Thomas Grattan’s superpower is an enthusiastic positivity that
inspires everyone around him.
Grattan, a senior at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington,
receives expanded services for students with cognitive and intellectual
disabilities. He is fully engaged in his classes, as well as with friendships,
athletics and other activities.
“When asked what his favorite parts of school are, he will
usually list every class, and sincerely describe it as ‘the best class ever,’
” said Susan Rinaldi, O’Connell’s director of expanded services, who
assisted with the interview for this article. He is known throughout the school
for his positive attitude and friendliness to everyone, she said, and when
asked how he’s doing, he will usually report that he’s having, “the best day
ever!”
During his senior year, Grattan has received small group
individualized instruction in reading, math, English and career exploration, as
well as grade-level general education courses in theology, psychology and
government.
His teachers say he is organized, responsible and serious about
his schoolwork. A class note from one said the depth of Grattan’s questions
have led to some of their liveliest discussions. In a lesson about wars, for
example, the whole class became engaged in his question: “Why is there
evil?” Notes from another teacher said Grattan “loves to learn and it
clearly showed, as he studied materials on his own during the weekends — usually
without it being assigned.”
Rinaldi observed that Grattan “enters the classroom fully
engaged, ready for class and often eager to share a connection to the course
content. He raises the mood and energy level of every environment he enters.”
When asked about his favorite classes, Grattan described several:
“Government. Anatomy, my junior year. I did labs (learning about) the
brain” and made “my brain hat” — a paper helmet of the brain that identifies
the different parts, such as the frontal lobe, and their functions. Rinaldi
said he colored each section differently and wore it often.
Even when he is frustrated, teachers note that he will take a
deep breath and keep at it. “I work hard in math,” he said. “Go slow,
take your time.”
He is a strong athlete on the Special Olympics soccer and
basketball teams, and also plays for the NOVA Cool Cats Special Ice Hockey
team. He’s also been the most active member of the frisbee club for the past
four years, practiced with the boys varsity lacrosse team for three years and
spent two years helping manage the varsity football team. “I set up cones.
I helped the coach,” he said.
The lacrosse team “worked on offense, defense, shooting,” and he learned
to “churn the butter. That’s the celebration,” he explained, when someone makes
a goal. “That’s making my day!”
Because he is so engaged and engaging, Grattan has made a huge
number of friends and keeps in close contact with former peer mentors now in
college. Rinaldi said some have even been inspired to pursue studies in special
education. “I work with my mentors, my friends,” Grattan said. “Work together.”
He has two older sisters who attended the University of Virginia
in Charlottesville, and is close with his mom and dad, who have been helping
him with distance learning since the coronavirus pandemic sent students home to
finish out the school year. He expresses
characteristic enthusiasm about his latest activities, including “cooking,
making a list for shopping. I’m working out every day (online) with my coach.
And guitar strumming — my dad’s guitar.”
While he misses having everyone together at school, he’s been
staying connected to friends and mentors on FaceTime, and he understands that staying
at home is important. “We have to stay healthy. Social distance,” he said.
Even for online classes, he proudly wears his school uniform.
After graduation, he plans to take classes at the Arlington
Career Center, Rinaldi said.
Despite all the changes, the coronavirus won’t ruin Grattan’s enjoyment
of senior year.
“It’s the best year ever,” he said.
