by Brandi Miller for the FCT

Most kindergarteners would be a little intimidated since it is their first time at school.  Most kindergarteners would be a little overwhelmed by all the big kids and the noise at school.  Sawyer Knoblock, a kindergarten student at Red Bay High School, isn’t one of those kindergartners.

Sawyer has a kind of celebrity status at school because anyone who ever meets him instantly likes him.  He is one of those kids who will brighten your day and he has definitely brightened the halls of RBHS.

Sawyer is in Ms. Candi Massey’s Kindergarten class and recently an anonymous donor gave Sawyer a special gift.  Sawyer received an IPad to use throughout his years at school.  The IPad will go with Sawyer each year as he advances from one grade to the next.

“The IPad is to help practice phonological awareness skills mostly,” said Massey.

Massey also stated that Sawyer would use the IPad to aid him in other aspects of new concepts in the classroom.

Sawyer’s mom, Renee Fierro Knoblock, has nothing but praise for the use of the IPad and thanks for the education her son is receiving.

“As a parent of a child with special needs, you worry constantly about the choices you make as far as their education goes more than anything else,” said Knoblock.  “Some people outside of Red Bay may assume that Sawyer doesn’t have the resources he would in a bigger town or city.  But I believe with my whole heart that God put us right where we belong. The staffs at Red Bay High School and the Franklin County Board of Education take my son’s needs very seriously.  They listen to my concerns and they do all they can to see out whatever he needs.  This IPad has already made a big impact on Sawyer’s speech and fine motor skills.  He is talking more every day.  It is because of people like Kari Hardin, his aide, Mrs. Thorne, Ms. Massey and the administration at Red Bay that sought out to provide this special IPad for him that he is beginning to blossom in the classroom.  I am so very grateful to have so many people at RBHS that love him and care about his education.”

The organization, Woodmen of the World, felt that Sawyer should also be able to use his IPad without constantly being afraid of damaging the fragile screen and device.  The Woodman of the World donated a case for the IPad to make sure Sawyer is able to concentrate on just learning and having fun instead of worrying about his IPad getting damaged.

“Sawyer is just a great kid and I am so happy he is able to have this IPad,” said RBHS principal Johnny Cleveland.  “He is one of those kids who makes you happy to work with kids.”

Sawyer is just beginning his journey as a student at RBHS, but he has already had an impact on all those who meet him.   There is no doubt he will continue to accomplish great things as he grows up.