At my school, we have these awards called "P.R.I.D.E." awards.
You get one if a teacher nominated you, saying that you have excelled.
Not typically in grades or a sport, but just been an overall well rounded person.
The other day we had an assembly held just for these awards.
A few people were called up, typical people you would see.
Then, a special needs boy was called up.
This boy has done so much for our school, and no one notices it.
He helps the football team, lacrosse team, hockey team, etc.
He stays after school everyday to do what he can.
When he got called up, the room roared with cheers.
Alex was so excited and threw his hands up in the air as soon as he ran to get his award.
The clapping didn't stop until five minutes later.
Minutes after, a deaf girl, Kyle was called up.
Once again, the room erupted in cheers.
On the other side of the room, people started waving their hands in the air.
In sign language, this movement is basically clapping.
I was honestly almost in tears.
Never in my life would I have expected my school to be so accepting of these kids.
It makes me proud for once, that I grew up with these students.