Letter: Thanks from Xander's family

To the Editor:
We would just like to take a moment to thank three wonderful ladies.

Three years ago, at age 3, my son was diagnosed with autism. He had a very limited vocabulary, little to no social skills, and still couldn’t get the whole potty training thing. We were very worried about Xander and how he could function as an adult. We enrolled him into Ms. Paula Kyne’s pre-K class at Woodbury Grammar, a class equipped to deal with special needs children.

Now at age 6, Xander is fully functioning, has a bigger vocabulary than me, is fully potty trained, can hold a conversation like a grown-up, plays very well with other children, and has tons more patience than even I do. We haven’t had a melt-down in so long, I forget what they are like.

Thank you Ms. Paula, Ms. Julia and Ms. Darlene for helping Xander to grow to become all that you knew he could be and so very, very much more. As we drop Xander off at regular, mainstream kindergarten in the coming fall, we know we will be thanking you and also God for leading us to you.

We expect this young man to do great things in life. And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping him to improve the quality of that life. Thanks for doing your part!!

And to the Cannon County School Board, we hope you realize and appreciate just what you have in these three ladies.

They transferred all their patience, kindness and knowledge to our child and we will forever be grateful. Also thanks to Mr. James for the book he made for Xander.

We love you Ms. Paula, Ms. Julia and Ms. Darlene. Your actions inspire your students to learn more, give more and to become more!! That is a true leader!!!

The family of
Xander Cornelison
Woodbury