Clara Midgett was born at 26 weeks. Her first five years included a lot of medical challenges, this also included a diagnosis of severe Autism at age three.  Many professionals did not think Clara would ever accomplish simple goals. Clara has proven them wrong more than once.

Clara’s dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism prevents her from being able to communicate orally. This has not stopped her! She is loved by her friends and family and is exceeding goals every day. She is an accomplished writer and will be graduating high school with a regular diploma in 2025. Her mom, Anara, states she would have graduated earlier, but likes to work on her own time. Clara refused to do her geometry last year, so now is working to make up her last half credit. Her younger brother, Alan, is also graduating and has asked if he could walk with her.

Clara was asked to write about herself for the DSAMT Spotlight award. Here is what she had to say:

Hannah is a funny, caring 23-year-old. She completed William Mason High School in 2020 and graduated from Vanderbilt University Next Steps in May, 2024. She is currently employed at the Nashville Children’s Theatre. Hannah has always been a trailblazer. Hannah participated in a TEDX event discussing the importance of inclusion at the high school level, was a first- time presenter at the National Down Syndrome Congress, and highlighted in the June 2020 issue of People magazine. At Vanderbilt, Hannah was a Think College Policy Advocate as well as the 2022 self- advocate of the year for the DSAMT. She served as a guest DJ on WSM radio on 3/21/2024, and has a poem published in the book: Creating Our Own Lives. On September 7, 2024 Hannah was part of the annual National Down Syndrome Society’s Times Square Video presentation in NYC.  Hannah will again serve as guest DJ on WSM Radio to promote Down syndrome awareness month on October 15, 2024 at 4:00pm.

Jake is a fun loving 10-year-old going into 5th grade this fall at College Grove Elementary. Jake participated in his first Special Olympics this year, where he BROKE THE RECORD for the longest softball throw in Williamson County. His entire school cheered him on when he received this news!

Jake loves going to school and seeing all of friends! His favorite class is PE. He is the best brother to Ben (15) and Carter (7). They are his best friends and biggest fans.

Jake’s hobbies include playing sports like basketball and soccer. He loves listening to music, dancing, swimming and driving his four-wheeler and go-cart. He also enjoys watching YouTube videos and would like to one day create his own channel.

Rivers DeLisle excels at building sign language skills, enjoys music therapy and PE, and has been awarded the 2nd grade boy PE award. Rivers enjoys swimming with the Nashville Dolphins, and the Challenger Baseball team. In addition, Rivers particularly enjoys taking riding lessons at Saddle Up! When not actively engaged in a sport Rivers is usually dancing or singing his way through life.

Rivers and Jelly Bean were featured on News Channel 5 after being chosen as the Ambassador for Monroe Carell Jr. Hospital at Vanderbilt for the 2023 Iroquois Steeplechase.

Kristianna Young is a perfect example of beauty and grace.  She is an African American woman with Down syndrome who is making her mark. Kristianna was recently presented to society as a Debutante in the Cotillion Ball/Jabberwock sponsored by the Fortitude Foundation of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter. She was crowned as the second runner up to Ms. Jabberwock. Kristianna also graduated from Pope John Paul II College Preparatory Academy in Hendersonville, TN in May of 2023. She plans to participate in the Transitions Program through Metro Nashville Public Schools in the fall, which is a vocational training program.

Keiston Flood recently participated in the Sparkle Pageant and was named “Mr. Lights Up the Room”. This is a perfect description of Keiston, because it is very rare to see Keiston out when he is not smiling and having a good time.  Keiston is an extremely intelligent young man who is often said to be kind, polite, and helpful, especially towards children. DSAMT staff members agree he is a great example of a young gentleman.