Man With Cerebral Palsy Gets Dream Day at Lake Catholic
After making friends with student volunteers at one of Deepwood's workshops, 22-year-old Brian Posey, wanted to be a student for a day
Brian Posey simply wanted to be a Lake Catholic High School student for a day. Instead, he received rock star-type treatment Friday during the Winter Sports Rally.
The crowd of students and administrators roared as Posey, a 22-year-old with cerebral palsy, pushed his wheelchair for a lap around the gymnasium. He waved at students in the crowd, beaming as he soaked in the moment when he made a gym full of new friends.
"I didn't think he'd come back," joked his mother, Brenda Houston, who watched the special moment off to the side.
When Posey wheeled back to the bottom of the bleachers, he had two words to describe what had just happened.
"It's great," he exclaimed after he was introduced as part of the rally.
Posey met a group of 10 Lake Catholic students around Thanksgiving when they traveled to the Lake County Board of DD/Deepwood Willoughby Workshop to volunteer at a Turkey Day event. Bob Fratino, manager at the Workshop and a 1983 Lake Catholic graduate, said the connections Posey made that day put the high school at the top of his wish list.
"The guys were really great to Brian, and he just forged an instant friendship with them," Fratino said. "After that, he came up to me a lot of times and said, 'I want to go to Lake Catholic, I want to go to Lake Catholic,' so it really worked out."
Posey attended classes with Patrick Cosgriff, one of the students who volunteered at Deepwood. Posey, his mother and Fratino attended the rally to close out the day.
"They treated him really nice," Houston said.
Brandon Baker
9:19 am on Monday, February 25, 2013
Thanks to Paul Maloney for the great photo.
Brian Posey
1:54 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Thanks for all the great pictures of Brian!
Michele DiVito
12:57 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Wow finally a nice story instead of a horrible story by Jason regarding criminal activity that is probably inaccurate that further destroys lives............shame on you Jason. Coodles Brandon
Brandon Baker
1:54 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Michele, I appreciate the kind words you have for me, but I think it's unfortunate that they came at Jason's expense. He's done plenty of positive stories over the last two-plus years that are all available in our archive. In fact, he alerted me to this event and the story of this young man.
Brian Posey
1:51 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Thanks for the great pictures and wonderful story about Brian! A BIG shout out to Lake Catholic, and the people that made this happen for him. He was so excited that day, and they treated him WONDERFUL !
Brian Posey
1:54 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Also, would like to thank Brandon for doing this story. Also, it was nice meeting you! (Brian's mom). Brenda
Mentorite
3:39 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
I think Michele should stay off of this site if she hates the editor so much. What happened Michele, one of your loved ones was a druggie and you didn't like it being broadcast?
Michele DiVito
3:54 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Well Brandon, I appreciate that however I know someone who has suffered at Jason's expense due to lies he posted on this site, very inaccurate. Lost family members, friends and ruined their life because he had to put up things he knows nothing about I do not respect him and have to be honest since he is not. Some stuff he writes will sadly come back to bite him, it is called karma.. I feel for Jason, he is rather naieve and young, has lots to learn
Brandon Baker
4:45 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Can we please not take away from Brian by engaging on a debate on Patch personnel? If there are any complaints, feel free to email me directly. Thanks.
Dave
7:59 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Brandon, you did a very credible job on this heart warming article! I'm new to the Patch, I live 1000 miles away during the winter and keep up on Lake County news online, I look forward to hearing a new perspective of the local news and politics.