It’s no surprise to me that the most popular posts on this blog often involve the three most important girls in my life. My wife Katie, my sister Rebekah, and my niece Hannah are all talented athletes, hard workers, and beautiful people. As much time as I spend writing of my own efforts, I enjoy telling of theirs more, because I am so proud of them and because they are so dear to me.
But this post is about a whole host of great people, most of whom I’ve never met. This post is the story of a high school in rural Ohio, full of staff and kids with big hearts, mature heads, and bright futures. It’s about people setting aside themselves and their ambitions, to do something beautiful.
The Homecoming Court
My sister was born in 1993 with Trisomy-21 Down Syndrome. There are a lot of details that come along with the extra chromosome, like heart defects and learning delays and health complications. Rebekah’s life has been a challenge for her and those around her literally from the moment of her birth. In her first few weeks of life, she was so small and weak that we weren’t sure if she’d live. Her first year was a blur of doctors, surgeries and intensive care units. Before she could crawl, her medical file was thicker than most people’s will get in a lifetime.
With a Down Syndrome child, every phase of life takes longer, every obstacle is higher, every new thing is harder. Teaching her to crawl, to use sign language, to speak, to care for herself. Things that are brief or almost automatic in the rearing of most children are deliberate with Rebekah. When she was very little, there were no shortage of “experts” trying to lower our expectations for her, and but for a lot of hard work and more than a few remarkable people, they may have been right.
Over time, we learned to never doubt Rebekah’s potential. What she lacks in innate ability, she makes up for in determination. Where she wants in physical stature, she abounds in outgoing personality and genuine love for her fellow man. Since she was introduced to an early intervention program at the age of two, she has won the heart of every war weary teacher, every salty administrator, every aide and classmate and coach she has come across. Struggles with walking and talking gave way to piano lessons and basketball practices. Worry for her life gave way to celebrations of it, every triumph made sweeter by the struggle to achieve it. She has taught all of us what things are important in life, and made us all better people for having come across her. From her, we have learned that it is best in life to measure others not by their appearance, but by the size of their heart.
Rebekah and her escort, senior and starting outside linebacker John Bellomy. Great kid.
By that measure, the staff and students at Greenon High School in rural Clark County, Ohio are among the greatest people in the world. Prior to Rebekah’s Freshman year, we had every reason to be concerned. We’ve all been through high school. We know what a confusing, tumultuous time it can be. We remember how cruel and judgmental the kids can be. But we needn’t have worried. The student body unanimously accepted her as their own, following the example of a staff of teachers and coaches determined to show, by their example, how to live a selfless and honest life.
We three older siblings can only look on in awe of her high school career. Twenty years ago, never would anyone have guessed that, of the four of us, Rebekah would be the most popular, best liked, most successful student. She’s a perennial starter on the girls’ varsity basketball team, and has scored actual points in actual games each season. She manages the girls’ volleyball teams, and at this years’ senior night, each of the graduating players spoke tearfully about what Rebekah has meant in their lives. She’s been elected by her peers to Homecoming and Prom courts, not because they had to, but because they actually like her that much.
That brings us to last week, and a brilliant and crisp autumn evening outside of Springfield. Mom received word that Rebekah had been elected to the Homecoming court, and that part of her job was to secure her own ride for the parade before Friday night’s football game. After a flurry of text and Facebook messages, my buddy Tom’s boss Jeff Vehr volunteered his Mustang convertible, complete with fuzzy dice, for the job.
The Queen (not yet crowned) waves to her adoring fans (who were going absolutely wild when this was taken).
I showed up early to share in the photo and video duties with Dad, and stood back for awhile, watching the pre-parade formalities. Rebekah was to be escorted by John Bellomy, a senior and starting outside linebacker for the football team, who had volunteered to do it. From everything I’ve witnessed, his character is typical of the sort of young people produced by this high school and the community that surrounds it. We kept trying to get pictures of Rebekah with her escort, but that turned out to be something of a challenge, as every kid who showed up for the game seemed to stop by to say hi to her and give her a hug. This wasn’t a scant few kids who had taken her under their wing. This was the entire student body. Jocks, nerds, skaters, cheerleaders, everybody. If there had been any more, we would have had to form a receiving line.
I took stills and video until the cars were all lined up for the parade, and then sprinted across the field to film them coming around the track. The PA guy announced each court member and read a short bio, including their varsity letters and future plans. When he called Rebekah’s name, the crowd went from polite applause to raucous cheering. After the parade had rolled by, I crossed the track and took a place in the stands, to film the homecoming court presentation.
You’ll never meet a better bunch of kids.
It would be dishonest of me to say that the thought of Rebekah being crowned Queen hadn’t crossed my mind. But I had dismissed it as improbable. The kids had included her, brought her into their circles, and that was more than we could have ever asked. To think that they would give yet more of themselves, sacrifice their own desires for recognition and popularity, do something so selfless and mature, was just unrealistic.
Except that it wasn’t. With the court assembled on the stage, in front of a grandstand full of students and families, the announcement came over the speaker like a shockwave. “Your 2013 Greenon High School Homecoming Queen is…. REBEKAH HITZEMAN!”
I would not have thought a crowd of such size was capable of such a noise. It was pandemonium. People screamed and clapped and jumped from their seats. For more than a few of us, our eyes got misty. My baby sister, who once seemed unlikely even to survive, was now a High School Homecoming Queen. If you gave the story to Hollywood, they’d dismiss it as unbelievable. There are not words to convey to the staff and students at Greenon how thankful I am for their role in Rebekah’s life. Our family has been immeasurably blessed by their actions and attitude towards her. If you ever feel as if there’s no hope for the future, I encourage you to look at them, and be reassured.
Rebekah isn’t done teaching us yet. Just when we think we’ve figured her out, never to doubt her, she shows how she can change the world around her, just by being herself. Thanks, little sister, and congratulations. You deserve every moment of it.
John and Rebekah share a dance. The look on her face tells what an exceptional guy he is.
Thanks for sharing this heartwarming story. I think it is Rebekah who has kept us grounded and showing us all how wonderful life is.
This is such an amazing story. It brings me to tears thinking about how incredible these young people are, Rebekah included.
I have never met Rebekah, but this brings tears to my eyes! I am a parent of a student who will be at Greenon HS next year and I am very proud of our students, families, and faculty. Sounds like Rebekah is a blessing who has touched many lives!! God bless you all 🙂
Your sister is an angel and has made such and impact on the community. The children love her and I’ve been lucky enough to see her through the years. My son is a senior and I’ve always heard such nice things about her. This is such a wonderful write up and we consider ourselves lucky to have known her..
Thank you for sharing this AMAZING story! I will never forget the first time I met Rebekah and the sweet smile and hug I received! I recall watching her score her points in the basketball game and the tears of joy I had for her! I must say that girl definitely has a lot to teach! Such an Angel ❤️ congrats beautiful!
I am a 1980 graduate of Greenon High School! I have always been proud of my school; but, never more proud than I am right now! What an exceptional group of young people and an exceptional young woman. I was very happy to read that you realize that Rebekah teaches you; I, too, know a young woman who has fought against the odds and teaches her father and I daily. We are also very blessed.
Thank you for this awesome story! My brother has Trisomy 21 as well, and we grew up not far from Greenon at all. He experienced the same level of acceptance and popularity, people know me by my brother now. I am so glad there are kids out there like Rebekah and like all her friends at Greenon.
As much as we have touched Rebekah’s life – she has touched ours so much more!! She is an amazing young lady with so much love for everyone!! and that only comes from an amazing family! So congratulations to you Hizeman Family!!1
When we lose faith in friends and family. This story which brought me to tears, reinforces what in my childhood was expected. Good behavior respect and love everyone. Somewhere through the years faith in people is lost to the reality of how people behave. This story has renewed my faith and a great respect for the Teachers, Students and Administrators of a Greenon HS. The school excels in leadership for other schools to follow.
Congratulations Rebekah! You achieve a great honor!
Such beautiful writing…thank you so much for sharing your story. My son (Travis Gray) graduated from Greenon last year, and anytime Rebekah’s name was mentioned he would just light up. He loves her to pieces–for no other reason than the beautiful person she is, and the way she makes everyone feel around her! Her presence at Greenon has been a blessing to so many. Congrats on winning Homecoming Queen, Rebekah…well-deserved indeed!
Thank you for sharing this very special event in you and your sister’s life. Makes me proud to be a Greenon graduate class of 69.
I first had the privledge of hearing about Rebekah when my daughter was in Sixth grade. My daughter just fell in love with Rebekah and would skip lunch to go to Rebekah’s room and volunteer with the children there. My daughter is proud to call her a friend. As time has marched on I also have had the privledge of knowing her through subbing for her teachers aide a few times. This young lady is an angel. It is our school, our children and our community who are blessed to have her in our lives. Thank you for sharing her with us!
This is awesome!!
Very well said Peter! Rebekah is such a joy to be around, she always has been from the day she was born. I think Greenon HS is the best of the best. They are a remarkable bunch of young men and women who have the gift of compassion which will serve them all well in the future. All who have the privilege and honor of knowing Rebekah are blessed by the love and sincerity they receive from her! So tickled to hear how appreciative her classmates are of these gifts she so openly and freely gives!
This story is amazing, thank you for sharing. Rebekah is a great person, always smiling and having a good time. She has made many friends and fans, and the Enon community has been blessed to be a part of her life. Thank you Rebekah !
I am a 1997 graduate of Greenon and have gone on to work as a music therapist with children with a variety of diagnosis including Down Syndrome and Autism. I have always been proud of my high school and hometown, and in fact looked for a school district with similar values to raise my own child in after moving to TX. I want you to know that this blog has been shared over and over with my therapy colleagues, Special Ed teachers, parents and doctors I work with. I’ve forwarded it to almost everyone! Rebekah’s story has been so encouraging for the professionals I work with who are weary but continue to fight for full inclusion for our kids. So proud of my hometown roots!
Rebekah is such a joy to be around and brings smiles & happiness to any room – this is a great article, Pete!
Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story. I am a senior at Greenon currently and Rebekah continuous to inspire myself, and so many others everyday. She is someone who lights up a room when she enters, and remembers everything about everyone. I am so proud to call her a friend and can’t wait to see what the future brings for her!
Please put her story on ESPN. She’s an awesome girl
This awesome story needs to go viral. Please share it with all.
I work with Rebekahs mom. She is such an amazing woman and an inspiration to many. It is a highlight of mine & many other coworkers day when we get a visit from Rebekah. She is such a joy to so many!!
This story is amazing. I have to say that it is great to know that Rebekah’s friends see all of her beauty and celebrate her. What a wonderful story to share with the world. The students at Greenon HS certainly know how to love and honor each other.
Beautifully written, beautiful girl, beautiful family. The Enon community has been blessed to be a part of Rebekah’s life. She touched me as a teacher and I’ll never forget her smiling face.
Beautiful! And so rare for a high school.. My high school I’m not proud to say voted someone like your sister into homecoming court as a joke apparently. Thank god for places like Greenon High where good kids are grown and sent into this world!
Rebekah is an inspiration to all of us. She’s usually in the office in the morning when I pass by to get my mail, and she always has a smile and a hello for me. What a great way to start a workday.
Thanks for writing and sharing this story. Kids in today’s society do not get any good recognition for anything they do. There is just the bad things in the paper to read. I have tears in my eyes as I am writing this. Thanks again and God Bless.