Brandon DuPrey , age 13, is a 6th grader at South Seminole Middle School in Casselberry, FL. He collects trains, and hones his golf game on the weekends by practicing his putting at the local golf range. His mom, Jacqueline, describes Brandon as someone who loves a challenge, is very structured in his study habits, and is a detail-oriented person. Recently, Brandon was awarded a Bronze Medal for attaining over a 3.2 Grade Point Average at his school.

It was hard work, said his mom, in part because Brandon has autism. Because of that, said his mom, some people think Brandon can’t do what his peers can do. But Brandon has not allowed his disability to stop him and has proven to the school that ‘yes, he can’ – he can participate in many school activities and he can earn a 3.2 GPA while taking courses like science, language arts and math in classrooms with his non-disabled peers.

“It’s been a constant battle”, says Jacqueline, “but we always worked with his strengths because Brandon wants to learn and we never give up – it’s a lot of hard work to keep Brandon in a mainstream program, but it’s all worth it for this moment, “ said Jacqueline, referring to Brandon’s Bronze medal. “I thank God for Brandon's strength and perseverance,” she said.

“I am also grateful to the people who have assisted Brandon and who have believed in him. Even when life smacks us down, we need to lift our heads up high and know that we can do it- even though it may take longer for some than others. To all the parents reading this who are in a similar situation, Jacqueline has this advice - “Don't ever give up – look at Brandon – He is an example of perseverance, of someone who won’t quit.”