The Spotlight
Clara Midgett
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:
Do You Know Someone Who Should be in the DSAMT Spotlight?
Do you know someone who should to be our Spotlight of the Month? Email a photo and a short explanation why to April@somethingextra.org
Meghan Maynard
Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee is proud to present 2016 Self-Advocate of the Year Meghan Maynard!
Claire Davis
Claire, who is about 18 months old, has Down syndrome, and has been in the hospital more than most people will in their entire lives.
Sammy Martinez
Luz Jirasko and Rodrigo Martinez speak with DSAMT about their 18 month old miracle, Sammy, who is in for one of his last rounds of chemotherapy.
Sharmane Pearson
Sharmane has won four Special Olympics World Games medals, and is a favorite at DSAMT events because of her joy and humor.
Sophia Horvath
Sophia is a junior at Mount Juliet High School and was recently elected to the homecoming court in September. Sophia is a social butterfly who can't go go anywhere without someone knowing her.
Kaely Huck
Kaely learns dance at The Centre School of Dance, a worship-oriented dance school. Her mother, Sherry, says she has been dancing for six years, and that it’s just another aspect of her daughter’s love for physicality.