Fueling life with fun
By Jesse Cole
Incoming Wood River High School freshman Diesel Ward has had quite a year. As he wrapped up his middle-school career, he put it this way: It was the “best time ever.”
Ward drew attention with his keynote address during the Wood River Middle School eighth-grade graduation ceremony, a speech that immediately gained local legendary status in the Valley and drew tears from the audience. When reflecting on the speech and his time at WRMS, Ward said he wasn’t nervous.
“Everybody just accepted me for who I am,” he said.
This was a bright spot for Ward, but both he and his parents, Billy and Kory Ward, are still very aware of the challenges that come with autism, which is a lifelong condition.
“I do stuff differently than others,” Ward said. “Sometimes it’s hard for me, because I have autism. For me, sometimes I just need some time to think.”
Diesel will be entering the halls of Wood River High School this fall, which will mean a new routine, a new environment, and new opportunities. Some of this can be a little daunting, but Ward is more than up to the challenge. He’s looking forward to continuing classes in math and science, and he’s thrilled about the opportunity to join the B-Tones—an all-male singing group at WRHS. As his keynote speech demonstrated, he’s quite the singer.
Difficulties and benefits aside, Ward is certain of one thing: “It’s going to be different.”
Regardless of this change and the challenges it will pose, it is difficult to imagine Ward not brightening any environment he is in, as he drops jokes and puns on a dime.
Outside of the classroom, Ward keeps himself plenty busy.
“I do Bocce ball,” he said. “I do Special Olympics swimming. I do Special Olympics skiing. I just like them all. That’s just me.”
Ward’s efforts have certainly paid off, as he has earned two Special Olympics gold medals in skiing.
In addition to athletics, Ward stays intellectually stimulated. Right now he is working his way through trivia on the Presidents and Founding Fathers of the United States, memorizing everything from their birthdays to their heights.
“He really likes to pick out something that has a lot of facts involved in it,” his mother, Kory Ward, said. “He’s that factual kid. He likes to gather information.”
Before starting the next stage of his education at WRHS, Ward will be filling his summer with Higher Ground Camp, a summer camp for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities, emphasizing physical activity and social learning.
“We’re stressing the life skills,” Kory Ward said. “The academics will come. As he gets older, we just want him to be able to live the best Diesel life. And I think we’re doing that.”
Editor’s Note: Anyone who would like to recommend a Blaine County School District student for The Weekly Sun’s “Student Spotlight” feature should contact The Weekly Sun at
news@theweeklysun.com.
