An Armstrong Thanksgiving part deux

There are many people that question the value of public high schools in our communities both the institutions and the students. At this Thanksgiving time of year our family would be very ungrateful indeed not to share for the incredible Fall our son has had at Armstrong High School. The students, the coaches, and the teachers have combined to show a huge amount of kindness, acceptance and embracing of diversity.

Our son, Evan, is a 16-year-old sophomore at Armstrong High School. Like many boys his age he is on the football, wrestling and track teams; he struggles a little with his social and science classes, and loves singing in the Varsity choir. He loves both the social and academic parts of school. He thrives on the vibrancy of a large high school with the multitude of opportunities for all students. One difference with Evan is that he was born with Down Syndrome.

A few weeks ago Evan was nominated for homecoming royalty. He, we, were thrilled and delighted by the inclusion and the honor. We attended the Homecoming pep fest and with other parents watched our youth participate. Evan was introduced and he carried himself well, head held high with an arm extended to his female counter-part. We were genuinely delighted by the round of applause he received. At the end of the pep fest when the royalty winners were announced, we were thrilled to hear announced Evan’s name. Then even more thrilling was the roar of approbation. The crowd screamed, clapped, stood and stomped and we as Evan’s parents sat and cried. Tears of gratitude for a school and community that embraces diversity and inclusion. Yes, a reason for an Armstrong Thanksgiving.

This was no fluke; a few weeks later another outpouring of kindness and acceptance occurred. . Evan has been a member of the Sophomore B-squad football team. Coach Dave Hansen and Coach Dan Enna have made it an incredible season. If you’ve ever had a son play football you know what a religion it can be. Evan is a zealous convert to the sport. He trained daily with the team in a safe environment, carefully orchestrated by the coaches. Fast-forward to the Minnetonka B-squad game. Game situation is 4^th quarter, 2^nd and goal from the 8^-yard line, Minnetonka is ahead. Armstrong calls time out. The coach runs out onto the field and has a conversation so that the refs, the Minnetonka coaches and players are all on the same page. After the time-out, Evan goes in as halfback and his number is called. The snap, the hand-off, Armstrong forms a type of wedge up the middle Evan goes high-stepping up the middle crossing the goal-line as the Minnetonka players deliberately move back. He SCORES! All celebrate as Evan runs off the field. The clock – records no change; the scoreboard - records no change; the yard markers - record no change. But a change there has been: another outpouring of graciousness and kindness by the officials, the coaches, and the players of Minnetonka and Armstrong. They gave a minute of fame and glory to a young man who loves football, and loves playing the game with “the guys” but who clearly can’t compete on the same field. Thank you to coaches who train and lead our young men and who are willing to set an example of inclusion and kindness. 

Evan stands a little taller, Evan speaks a little clearer, Evan celebrates a little more. This November 25^th is for us an Armstrong Thanksgiving.

Prom last year

Stuart Jackson and Broch Peniata seniors and members of our congregation  decided if they did not take Evan to Prom with them he might never get the chance. So the two of them made all the arrangements. The tuxes, the dinner, even went so far as to ask a girl (Page Aise out on the date for Evan) Though Page had a boy friend at the time - she graciously went as Evan's date and they had a grand time. She even had her girls friends who weren't members of the church come over for the picture taking and meeting Evan. it was glorious

An Armstrong Thanksgiving

There are many people that question the value of public high schools in our communities both the institutions and the students. At this Thanksgiving time of year our family would be very ungrateful indeed not to share for the incredible Fall our son has had at Armstrong High School. The students, the coaches, and the teachers have combined to show a huge amount of kindness, acceptance and embracing of diversity.

Our son, Evan, is a 16-year-old sophomore at Armstrong High School. Like many boys his age he is on the football, wrestling and track teams; he struggles a little with his social and science classes, and loves singing in the Varsity choir. He loves both the social and academic parts of school. He thrives on the vibrancy of a large high school with the multitude of opportunities for all students. One difference with Evan is that he was born with Down Syndrome.

A few weeks ago Evan was nominated for homecoming royalty. He, we, were thrilled and delighted by the inclusion and the honor. We attended the Homecoming pep fest and with other parents watched our youth participate. Evan was introduced and he carried himself well, head held high with an arm extended to his female counter-part. We were genuinely delighted by the round of applause he received. At the end of the pep fest when the royalty winners were announced, we were thrilled to hear announced Evan’s name. Then even more thrilling was the roar of approbation. The crowd screamed, clapped, stood and stomped and we as Evan’s parents sat and cried. Tears of gratitude for a school and community that embraces diversity and inclusion. Yes, a reason for an Armstrong Thanksgiving.

This was no fluke; a few weeks later another outpouring of kindness and acceptance occurred. . Evan has been a member of the Sophomore B-squad football team. Coach Dave Hansen and Coach Dan Enna have made it an incredible season. If you’ve ever had a son play football you know what a religion it can be. Evan is a zealous convert to the sport. He trained daily with the team in a safe environment, carefully orchestrated by the coaches. Fast-forward to the Minnetonka B-squad game. Game situation is 4^th quarter, 2^nd and goal from the 8^-yard line, Minnetonka is ahead. Armstrong calls time out. The coach runs out onto the field and has a conversation so that the refs, the Minnetonka coaches and players are all on the same page. After the time-out, Evan goes in as halfback and his number is called. The snap, the hand-off, Armstrong forms a type of wedge up the middle Evan goes high-stepping up the middle crossing the goal-line as the Minnetonka players deliberately move back. He SCORES! All celebrate as Evan runs off the field. The clock – records no change; the scoreboard - records no change; the yard markers - record no change. But a change there has been: another outpouring of graciousness and kindness by the officials, the coaches, and the players of Minnetonka and Armstrong. They gave a minute of fame and glory to a young man who loves football, and loves playing the game with “the guys” but who clearly can’t compete on the same field. Thank you to coaches who train and lead our young men and who are willing to set an example of inclusion and kindness.

Evan stands a little taller, Evan speaks a little clearer, Evan celebrates a little more. This November 25^th is for us an Armstrong Thanksgiving.

High impact high schooler

Carrie's Karnes fall 2004

Dear Wilson family,

It's been a while, but after reading a recent article on Evan in the

sun sailor I felt I wanted to write you a letter. If you don't

remember, my name is Carrie Skarnes and I attended Zachary Lane

elementary with Evan. I clearly remember being in class with Evan.

Mrs. Toms would always come into our second grade classroom and ask

Evan who he would  like to come down to her office and play games

with.frequently Evan would choose me, and ever since then, it's been

great for me to talk to him and get to know him better these past

eight years.

I really feel that the article did a good job of explaining to the

reader how active Evan is, I couldn't agree more with the fact that

the kids surrounding him don't just know him, they like him. I see

Evan in the hallways at school, and the way he carries himself is

awesome. He walks with confidence, a smile, and a look of

determination.I think because of this, the kids in our school have

truly grown a strong liking and respect for him, and almost everyone

treats in that way.

Ninth grade year I didn't see Evan much. It was a big new school and I

saw less and less of Plymouth middle school kids because everyone was

scattered around the school. This year, as a sophomore, I saw Evan for

the first time in a varsity football game. I went up to Evan, to say

"hello "and ask how he was doing. Right as I approached him and he

looked at me, and he leaned down and gave me the biggest, and one of

the best hugs and received in a long time. He put his arms around me,

and squeeze me and patted my back and my hair while saying quotes

"Carrie! Carrie! how are you?"

It was at that point, that it really stood out to me what a great,

noble person Evan had developed into. And then in the article "much

for which to give thanks", I think that one last thing should've been

added. I think that myself, and all of Evans peers should think Evan.

Because Evan is certainly different than others diagnosed with down

syndrome. Evan has taught many MANY students who have participated in

sports, classes, and other groups that no matter who you are, you can

be happy. I also believe he's taught people be more open-minded,

caring, and nurturing.

I don't really know the point of this letter, but I just and a strong

feeling after reading that article, and really felt that I wanted to

express my appreciation of Evan and your family. And I really believe

Evan is truly blessed to have a family like yours. Well that's all, I

look forward to seeing what's in store for Evan in the future. Take

care and God bless.

sincerely Carrie Skarnes

Sent from tim's phone

King Evan

The gymnasium is full.

The bulk of the student body is in attendance and a large contingent of parents.

It is the homecoming celebration for Armstrong High School. The festivities start with a little skit and then the introduction of the royalty nominees of each class. Three boys and three girls for each class starting with 9th building up to 12th. When Evan's name is announced there is a brief chanting of Evan, Evan and the longest and loudest ovation of any of the nominees.

There are musical numbers by the band, the choir, dancelines perform, cheer leaders cheer, some student awards, a football cheer leader gig, a rousing 'stomp' like number performed by the percussion section of the marching band - really quite fun. Its winding up with a rap song contra the opposing team for tonight's game and then announcement of the winning royalty for each grade.

Polite applause for the 9th grade royalty and the 10th grade girl’s winner. The place goes raucous with the announcement of the 10th grade king - KING EVAN. OK at this point it was hard to watch with the tears coming down as the students then the parents - even the black caucus all go crazy stomping feet and providing the only standing ovation of the day. The gallant king offers his arm to his queen receives his plumber's plunger scepter and marches to the other end of the gym. They really do go crazy, they yell, the scream, he handles it with aplomb.

The king of home coming, once they get to it, is Brock Peniata a senior from our Medicine Lake Ward is also a winner.

The pepfest comes to end - then a stream of babes - what else to you call these danceline, cheer leader, all types of girls, between 2- -30 who come up hug and congratulate the beaming King, that would be Evan.

Afterward we are talking to the choir teachers on another matter. They bring up the voting in their classroom earlier in the week. So they took a straw poll and discover all their kids had voted for Evan. The kids all go - "Evan- like duh".

What a day. What a blessing.

We all seek recognition of some type. We all seek peer acceptance. We all seek our moment of glory. In this experience Evan received another slice.

Sophmore Football

Evan was selected as one of the four captains for yesterday's sophomore game.
He manfully went out to meet with the officials, call the coin toss, shake hands with the dreaded opponents et al. He was THRILLED at the honor.

The game is spent on the sidelines, particularly as they were losing but not being dominated. Second to the last play of the game he went in at offensive tight end - to the cheers of the team and the crowd. It really is quite remarkable and an incredible blessing the support he receives from the team, the coaches and the community. The play was a deep pass - just missed. Evan neither hit nor was hit, or really much in the play but he came off celebrating his personal victory.

The littlest deacon

The littlest Deacon
March 2000

Evan was ordained a  deacon in February. he could hardly wait to pass the sacrament. After visiting with the bishop to discuss his abilities and expectations for him he was ordained. The first week we were anxious. Brigham  also passed and sat right behind him so they would pass down the same aisle and Blair bless the sacrament. Evan did great. Having never practice we were a little worried. But he had spent the last months watching the process, as each of his friends became new deacons. He continues to do well in ministering to the same spot each week.

Is been interesting to see the impact of all this on our ward. The first week that he passed the number of people congratulated him. Over the pulpit he has been mentioning testimonies. It's been a strong spiritual experience for the ward; he's receiving a lot of silent cheers from the congregation . I would've never thought that it wouldn't have such a positive strong effect in our ward. Evan and his life are truly amazing.

Baptism

We believe in baptism by immersion for those who are accountable at the age of eight. Evan, is defacto, non-accountable thus technically not requiring baptism. The other factors of baptism include baptism as the gateway or entry into God's kingdom as a member of His church and following Christ example of being baptized in fulfilling the commandment of the Father. Evan wasn't ready at eight and before he turned 12 he increased in awareness of baptism and desire to be baptised.

After discussion with our Bishop and thoughtful consideration and prayer we baptized Evan. It was a bit of an unorthodox experience. He really  had little interest of getting into a font. Creativity was applied and it resulted in a plein aire session. Literally in my parents swimming pool. We arranged with the Bishop and he came over, and Blair performed the ordinance. One can measure the appropriateness of activity by the Spirit that attends.  The Spirit was calm, peaceful and uplifting. It was the right thing at the right time.

On a bright Monday evening June 21 our family went to my parents pool. The bishop was going to stop by to be a witness. After playing around for a while, Blair, who is to form the baptize practice I need to the kids. When it came time for Evan, Blair left the pool and put on a white shirt. When you return to the pool Tim asked Devon if you wanted to be baptized. Evan said okay.

When worsen the prayer is like the Spirit of the Lord came down and resting upon the pool, pushing all sound and motion away. There was no street noise on noise from a two assignments, and the spare was so real. When Evan came out of the water, he bounced out with the biggest smile imaginable. We were thrilled. Spread them pull together and went back up into heaven. The Lord approved of the baptism the bishop come in at that the spirit was there an abundance is much is it any baptism.

An ancillary experience is we also believe in vicarious ordinances, a religious ordinance performed by a living person in behalf of one who is dead. Baptisms for the dead are done in our Temples and are done to create an opportunity for all to either accept or reject coming unto Christ. None will be forced but all will have the opportunity. The youth from our congregation regularly go to the Temple to perform this service. And as a young man (12- 14) Evan went with the group but would not go in the font, nor do the baptisms, until one day when Evan was listening to our friends Bill Oelkers and David Henstrom and their encouragement to participate and go in the font and do the vicarious baptism. That day was the one. Evan agreed, he got dressed, joined the group. He solemnly approached the font; and well watch the video. It is not a video of Evan but it is exactly what happened.

As Bill wiped the water from his face. he commented how the Spirit was still there. The innocence, the peace, the joy. It truly was an Evan Experience.