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A Step Above: Luke Kecman, Clayton James Rhodes and Billy Wolfbrandt

Step Above 89128

Faith Lutheran Mark 10:14 Program Graduating Class
Luke Kecman, Clayton James Rhodes and Billy Wolfbrandt

The Mark 10:14 Program at Faith Lutheran High School is dedicated to children with intellectual disabilities such as autism or Down syndrome. Students in the program are included in the general high school curriculum including classroom discussions, lectures, labs, skits, projects and group activities, among peers, with high levels of support to ensure they are successful. In addition to immersing these students into high school life, the program also instills a greater sense of kindness, helpfulness and encouragement into Faith Lutheran students campus-wide.

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(From left: Billy Wolfbrandt, Luke Kecman, Clayton Rhodes)

This year, three students will be first to graduate with an adjusted diploma from the Mark 10:14 program. The students have participated in everything from varsity sports, theater, guitar lessons, art and more. They have been Students of the Month, and won spirit competitions, attended dances and gotten the most out of their time in school. By definition, Luke Kecman, Clayton James Rhodes and Billy Wolfbrandt are all– A Step Above.

Luke Kecman

Clubs/Community Service

  • Mock Trial Team, 2014
  • Honors Art, 2013-Present
  • Swim Team, 2013-Present
  • Art Club, 2010, 2012 & 2013
  • Teen Works Program for Grant a Gift Autism Foundation (Four week program as Front Ambassador at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 2012
  • Goodwill, 2012

Awards

  • Student of the Month, 2013 

What Makes Luke Successful: “Doing good in life, helping out others and working on being a mature, successful adult. By watching my Mother raise my brother Damon and I while running her own business to care and provide for our family. My Faith in God keeps me doing good in life and being open for new opportunities even with my disability.”

Clayton James Rhodes

Sports/Music/Awards

  • Faith Lutheran Football, 2010-2014; Varsity, 2013-2014
  • Faith Lutheran Basketball, 2013-2014; Varsity, 2013-2014
  • Mellow Dramatist, 2010-2011
  • High School Musical Jr., 2010
  • Nevada Football Champions 2013

Clubs/Community Service

  • Young Life, 2010-2014
  • Art Club, 2011-2012
  • Mark 10:14 Drive Thru BBQ
  • Young Life Leadership Team

A Key Issue Facing Young People Today: “A key issue facing young people today is including people who might be different. Being a part of the Faith Lutheran student body has helped others see that because I have Down syndrome. I learn differently but I have many of the same dreams they have.  God has made me on purpose, for a purpose.” 

Billy Wolfbrandt 

Sports/Activities

  • Faith Lutheran Wrestling Team, 2008 – 2014
  • School Lip Sync Competition, 2012 and 2013
  • Faith Lutheran Middle School Football, 2007-2009

Awards/Community Service

  • Faith Lutheran Spirit Award, 2013 

Billy’s Proudest Accomplishment: “Being an athlete and a wrestler.”

Billy’s Goal After High School: “Go to college and find a job to be a lawyer like my dad.”

 

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