Something special about being treated regularly

We complain a lot about everything that's wrong with the public school system. But sometimes, administrators get some things right.

Last night I was at Reyburn Middle School for the academic awards program at which our daughter Alyssa was being honored. The gym was packed for two good reasons. First, more than 600 seventh- and eighth-graders were honored for achieving honor roll with GPAs of 3.25 or better. Second, every child being honored had at least one parent on hand to celebrate. Many had their entire families.

Guest speaker Jeff Eben, principal of Clovis East High School, emphasized to the parents how important it is to get involved with your children's education, and to stay involved. It was clear from the size of the crowd that he was preaching to the choir, but no one minded him making the point.

One of my favorite parts of the night, though, came from a child I've never met. Krishna Galaviz received a certificate for achieving eighth-grade honor roll status. Krishna, who has Down syndrome, was the hit of the party for both students and parents, but not because anyone mentioned the fact that she is developmentally disabled.

Instead, Krishna sat alongside her classmates, walked up to the stage with her classmates, and received the same certificate everyone else received. What made her stand out -- in a positive way -- was that she jumped up and down and spun circles with her award, both on stage and when she returned to her seat. She was so excited that she couldn't sit still, she kept turning around, waving and blowing kisses at her family, and everyone around her.

Having special education programs available in our public schools is vital. Giving those students the help they need to learn is one of our most important obligations as a society. But there are also times, like last night, when the best recognition is not special, but regular. Last night Krishna was one of more than 600, and she reveled in being treated no differently than anyone else.

It's a moment neither she nor her family will ever forget. And neither will I.