Way to Go: Isaiah Edwards, Deer Park

A Deer Park High School junior drew accolades from the district's board of education recently for his volunteer work with special-needs children in the district.

Isaiah Edwards, 17, has mentored children who have autism since his freshman year. His efforts have ranged from working with the kids five days a week in a summer program at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School to working with a handful of children on a one-on-one basis.

"The key is to keep eye contact and keep them on task," said Edwards, who hopes to be a special-education teacher.

Edwards said he became motivated to work with autistic children upon observing them in middle school. He got a position working with six pupils during summers at John F. Kennedy, helping them with motor and social skills as well as artwork.

His current focus is a 13-year-old student at Robert Frost Middle School who has autism and a genetic disease.

"Isaiah has a rare gift and has found his calling working with these kids," said Frank Caliguiri, the district's assistant superintendent of pupil personnel.

Edwards is a member of the school's varsity football team.