A kinder, gentler generation

Here is a heartwarming story from today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

Kennesaw Mountain High School in Marietta, GA held its homecoming celebration last night. One of the five young women elected by the junior class to represent it in the Homecoming Court was 17 year old Lily von Schmeling. The article included a picture of Lily in tiara, holding a bunch of roses, and standing with her tall, handsome young escort.

Nothing unusual about that . . . except that Lily has Down's Syndrome.

Inured to the prejudices of the past, my first thought was that it was a cruel joke. But read further and trust this younger generation.

Lily is indeed a very popular girl at Kennesaw High. When her name was announced at the game's half-time, she was greeted with a roar of approval from the crowd, some of whom held up signs, that read: "It may be chilly, but we love Lily."

Lily took it in stride, but her mother and sister were overwhelmed at the outpouring of support. Her mother praised the school for being "very welcoming to students with disabilities."

But apparently it is not pity that makes Lily such a well-loved member of her class. The school counselor says she makes friends easily and interacts well with her peers. Her sister says that Lily brings out the best in other people with her sunny disposition and her enthusiasm.

Although she is not able to do all the acrobatic stunts with other cheerleaders, she is a member of the team and helps to lead cheers at the games; and she participates in the Drama Club. I've heard similar stories from other families with Down's kids: they often radiate uncomplicated love and warmth toward others and evoke similar responses.

Congratulations to Lily -- and to the students, faculty, and staff at Kennesaw High.

We older generation could learn a lot from you.

Ralph