The Last Sapling

Ethan Walker was born with some complications. As he grew Doctors felt he might be a little slow at learning but for the most part a healthy child. As he began school he wasn't hitting milestones at the same time other children his age hit. A kindergarten teacher and his parents advocated for him to stay the course, to not be labeled, and they refused to give up on Ethan. Suddenly a realization came when Ethan's mother noticed not only was he learning, he was retaining information and actually surpassing what was required of him. After a brutal fight with the education system Ethan was able to continue with his education and not worry about his milestones. One summer he attends a science camp, the other kids were much older than him, while he couldn't see the table the older kids simply give him a stool to stand on so he could be a part of the work. Ethan notices a problem with the project, and comes up with a fix. Now Ethan isn't just part of the group, he is leading it. Going back to school was difficult, the system only saw what they wanted to see, But the camp counselor comes to advocate for Ethan this time. He was in need of a science fair location and the school was interested in renting the space. Now Ethan had the opportunity to actually show everyone what he has learned. The system finally sees Ethan for who he actually is and he continues to flourish. When he is a senior in High School he is called for one last meeting with the school system, but this time he is being asked to speak at graduation because he is that years valedictorian.