Bobby Kidd, a sixth grade student at North Jackson Elementary, poses alongside a piece of artwork he created for his teacher’s classroom. Despite his autism diagnosis, Kidd defies the odds of learning difficulties by taking on new ways of showing his teacher what he knows – through art.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
BY BRENNAN D. CRAIN, WCLU News
GLASGOW — For Barren County student Bobby Kidd, excess cardboard and ripped paper open a world of possibilities and bring his imagination to life.
Bobby, a sixth-grade student at North Jackson Elementary, can create just about anything with any kind of art supplies. Paper and cardboard are his favorites, though.
“I can make anything,” Bobby said. “I can!”
Emma Taylor started her teaching career in the Barren County school system 19 years ago – originally at Red Cross Elementary before she moved to her current role at North Jackson as a teacher of students with learning disabilities.
Bobby recently won the Yes I Can! Award, a recognition bestowed by the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children. The non-profit organization supports more than 400 special education teachers and administrators across the state, according to a news release.
Taylor nominated Bobby, who has an autism diagnosis, for the award.
“Bobby is truly a child that makes everyone smile. He is the first person that greets you in the morning. He will always say goodbye. He says hello to everyone he sees in the hallway,” she said.
Each day is a new opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life, Taylor said. And meeting students at their learning levels is a major part of how she sees what they’ve learned.
In a unique assessment, Bobby demonstrates to Mrs. Taylor what he’s learned through pictures.
“His art shows me exactly what he knows – whether he can get it out using words, he can get it out using pictures,” Taylor said. “He’s just been a pleasure to have at our school. We’re very lucky to have him.”
Bobby is a “twice exceptional” student – which refers to intellectually gifted children who have one or more learning disabilities. But he doesn’t let those stop him.
Adorned in a teal bowtie, Bobby jumped from his seat this week with excitement when Mrs. Taylor told him he had interview with WCLU News. It didn’t take long to figure out why he was dressed in a tie and collared shirt. He was principal for the day.
“He says one of these days he wants to be a principal of a school, and he wants to be able to draw and be nice to all the kids just like me,” said Jeannie London, principal of North Jackson Elementary. “He’s a super great kid.”
Bobby will travel to Louisville on Nov. 21 to receive his award at the Galt House.
