Magnolia Trace third grader with autism wins writing contest

Magnolia Trace third-grader Nicholas Seal, diagnosed with autism, has faced challenges his whole life. His most recent challenge was a class assignment that involved taking the story of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," changing the characters and placing the story in a new setting.

Nicholas Seal with Magnolia Trace Elementary Principal Melanie Edwards.

According to his teacher, Debbie Dermid, it is an assignment that is typically difficult for autistic children. In fact, Nicholas was initially reluctant to change anything about the timeless story. When he finished the assignment, however, his version of the story, "Goldinglocks and the Three Alligators," won first place in the 2011-12 Young Authors’ Competition, sponsored by the Northshore chapter of the Reading Council.

Nicholas’ parents, Mindy and Stephen Seal, view the award as another step in his continual progress, helped along by a team of supportive teachers and relatives.

Mindy said that when Nicholas entered the Preschool Early Intervention (PEI) program at Magnolia Trace, he could not speak and did not understand everything the family said to him.

"If it was not for the amazing efforts and support of all his teachers, counselors and therapists he has had at Magnolia Trace Elementary, he would not have made it as far as he has," she said.

She gave as examples, Dermid, who works with Nicholas in a reduced-numbers class, and Laurie Jones, who served as his PEI teacher.

"They are not only his teachers, they are now part of our family," she said.

Dermid said Nicholas is "a joy to have in my class." He is very friendly with a good attitude, good work habits and increasing skills, particularly writing, she said.

"He will read about an animal and be able to tell you all kinds of things about that animal," said Dermid, who added that Nicholas is beginning to enjoy writing reports about animals.

"Nicholas’ writing skills are improving every day and winning this contest has given him the confidence that he needs to continue to write," she said.

Jones saw Nicholas’ potential the minute she met him. While working with him for three years she used his love for animals, nature and science to create a myriad of activities that allowed him to begin building connections to the world around him.

"While teaching students like Nicholas, with autism, it’s seeing the potential they have for learning and not their disability," Jones said. "I am so proud of Nicholas and all of his accomplishments. I was so lucky to be his teacher. This award is the first of many I see in his future."

Mindy said Nicholas has a great support team outside of school, as well. For the past four years, he has attended Project Independence, a nonprofit organization headed by Carol Mesa. One of the highlights of the program is a one-day summer camp at Gulf Islands Waterpark, exclusively for special-needs students and their families.

She also credits a strong family network, including her parents, Rose and Gerry, her sister Delinda and two nieces, Shelby and Baleigh. They have all "given Nicholas amazing support," she said.

Nicholas said his favorite thing about winning the award was getting to receive it onstage in front of the entire school. He was so happy about winning, he explained to Mindy, "that when Ms. Debbie called on the phone to tell him he won he screamed so loud he almost broke her eardrum."

The award is almost certainly an affirmation for Nicholas. It is also a sign post on the road of progress that Mindy and Stephen and "the team" have watched him travel.

"He continues to amaze me every day because no matter how hard his struggles may be, he never lets them get him down," Mindy said. "He always has a smile on his face and can make anyone else around him smile as well. I am extremely proud of him and thrilled to call him my son."

By Kenneth Mathews