Ryan Goff is from Middletown Area High School and was nominated by Heidi Tobias.
Ryan is a very smart young man who happens to have a fairly significant reading/writing disability. At the begining of high school when using Lexiles to determine his reading abilities, his reading level did not even register a number. He scored BR which is Beginning Reader. Having this reading disability made it very challenging for him in his classes. Ryan did not like to even attempt decoding unknown words since he is very smart and it was extremely frustrating. Since his reading level was so low, it meant that his writing was also not up to grade level.
Ryan could have just given up, but he was very determined. Ryan worked diligently to improve his reading levels over the past four years. He is now reading at a 764 Lexile, which is a huge improvement! He is still below grade level, however, he has gained much confidence in his reading and writing skills. This has translated into Ryan becoming an improved student all around.
Ryan is planning on attending Thaddeus Stevens College in Lancaster PA to study to become a certified mechanic. This will be a wonderful match for Ryan.
From Mrs. Tobias, "I am so very proud of Ryan and his accomplishments with his reading. With his permission and support, I used him as an example to other students who struggle with their reading abilities. Ryan was a leader in the class and a role model to the underclassmen. Ryan also was involved while at the high school, as he is a member of both the football and basketball teams. Since it takes Ryan longer to read his assignments, I think it was wonderful that he was so involved. "
Congratulations and good luck, Ryan!