Prairie student is teaching others

I always feel 'Prairie Pride” when I read articles in The Gazette about Prairie High School's achievements and athletic wins, but the article about Lucas Montgomery on June 4 makes me most proud of Prairie and the way it values this student ('Medicaid cuts could hit special education”).

In a previous era Lucas would have been warehoused in a facility somewhere, out of sight, out of mind. At Prairie High School he is a constant presence. Every day he is there to learn whatever he can, but he is also there to teach. He teaches students and staff about kindness, about patience, about acceptance, about gratitude. He teaches other students that no matter what their abilities or disabilities are, they can feel valued and cared about.

Some skeptics may wonder how this young man can make use of his education or how he can give back to the community the cost of his education and special care. I hope they might see that the lessons he is teaching those around him every day are worth far more.

Geraldine Schwarz

Decorah