Michael Zuppardo is an 18 year old autistic student at Howell High School located in Central Jersey. If there's one thing Michael is known for, its for his passion to join the Howell High Bowling team. Michael has been a respectful student in all four years of his attendance at this school, and is always seen to have a smile on his face. With next year being Michael's last year in high school, he's been very anxious to have his one shot at being on the famed bowling team at Howell. Three years ago, Mike tried out for the bowling team and unfortunately did not make it, but like the champion he is, Michael still kept the pursuit of his dreams alive. The following season he tried out again, yet again he did not make the team. Michael, along with numerous peers, felt that he did very well and was dissapointed with the decision. At this point, nothing was holding back the warrior inside Michael Zuppardo and he was determined to try out for the team again the following year.
Before the try-outs, Michael's mother emailed the bowling coach on October 16th of 2013 explaining the significance of Mike possibly making the team. Michael seeks to be a regular kid and to be able to be one of the cool kids. Being on the team wouldn't only help Michael enhance his bowling skills, but more importantly give him the ability to grow as a young autistic adult.
After getting no response from the bowling coach, Michael's mother called the school and begged for him to be on the team. With thought, Howell High officials allowed him to participate in practices, be a guest bowler in a couple of games, and he even recieved a team shirt. His mother then again got a phone call on Monday the 6th, a day before the first practice, saying Michael cannot bowl with the team nor can he practice since he was sought out to be a liability to the school since he wasn't on the roster. So here Michael is, happy until his mother had to break this news to him.
Mike still wants to try out next year to give it one last shot at the team. This kid's heart is unbelievable. Michael Zuppardo is not only making a statement for himself, but also for all autistic kids all across the nation.
Help us by signing this petition to get Michael Zuppardo on the Howell High School Bowling team.
To read the full story written by his mother, go to:
http://howell.patch.com/groups/opinion/p/autistic-howell-student-denied-a-time-to-shine
Updates
January 13, 2014
I honestly cannot believe we hit one thousand signatures already because that is just so many people who clearly see how much this means to Michael. My hands are actually shaking a little bit while typing this and I keep refreshing the page just to make sure I am seeing that number correctly.
January 10, 2014
I just checked and saw we hit one hundred signatures which is honestly just so surreal. Thinking about Michael seeing all these people backing him makes me get all choked up because he deserves this so much more than anyone realizes.
Reached 1,000 supporters
January 10, 2014
Reached 100 supporters
January 10, 2014
625 Comments
As someone who has seen special needs students try out for a sports team, not make the cut and still be invited to be an active part of the team, it disgusts me that this would be allowed to happen in FRHSD, especially given that Michael seems to be qualified to bowl.
how is HHS going to be so active with the autism program and teach students to respect the children in the program and then deny one of the kids a spot on the bowling team? who cares if its a 'liability' to not have him on the roster
Mikey is one of the brightest people I know, his happy spirit has an extraordinarily positive effect on anyone he encounters. I can only imagine the effort he has put in to be a part of this team. He deserves the experience to be a team member more than anyone.
Simple solution: Put him on the team. My son (who happends to know this amazing young boy) wrestled at the HS. And there was an autistic boy on the team. The coaches would work it out where the boy had time on the mat and they would just end it at a earlier time.
howell high school always taught us to reach for our dreams and never let amything hold us back.. shouldn't they practice what they preech? why should a kid with autism be held to a different standard? this is absurd.
let michael be on the team as an honorary member. let him practice with everyone else. he can sign a statement saying he and his parents will not sue the school if anything happens. his energy will help the team!
I'm a fellow Zuppardo from the New Orleans area, I'm sure we are someway related. Much respect to Michael and his dream. Zuppardo's don't give up and Mikey is a winner in my book. Good luck!
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Michael Zuppardo is an 18 year old autistic student at Howell High School located in Central Jersey. If there's one thing Michael is known for, its for his passion to join the Howell High Bowling team. Michael has been a respectful student in all four years of his attendance at this school, and is always seen to have a smile on his face. With next year being Michael's last year in high school, he's been very anxious to have his one shot at being on the famed bowling team at Howell. Three years ago, Mike tried out for the bowling team and unfortunately did not make it, but like the champion he is, Michael still kept the pursuit of his dreams alive. The following season he tried out again, yet again he did not make the team. Michael, along with numerous peers, felt that he did very well and was dissapointed with the decision. At this point, nothing was holding back the warrior inside Michael Zuppardo and he was determined to try out for the team again the following year.
Before the try-outs, Michael's mother emailed the bowling coach on October 16th of 2013 explaining the significance of Mike possibly making the team. Michael seeks to be a regular kid and to be able to be one of the cool kids. Being on the team wouldn't only help Michael enhance his bowling skills, but more importantly give him the ability to grow as a young autistic adult.
After getting no response from the bowling coach, Michael's mother called the school and begged for him to be on the team. With thought, Howell High officials allowed him to participate in practices, be a guest bowler in a couple of games, and he even recieved a team shirt. His mother then again got a phone call on Monday the 6th, a day before the first practice, saying Michael cannot bowl with the team nor can he practice since he was sought out to be a liability to the school since he wasn't on the roster. So here Michael is, happy until his mother had to break this news to him.
Mike still wants to try out next year to give it one last shot at the team. This kid's heart is unbelievable. Michael Zuppardo is not only making a statement for himself, but also for all autistic kids all across the nation.
Help us by signing this petition to get Michael Zuppardo on the Howell High School Bowling team.
To read the full story written by his mother, go to:
http://howell.patch.com/groups/opinion/p/autistic-howell-student-denied-a-time-to-shine
Updates
January 13, 2014
I honestly cannot believe we hit one thousand signatures already because that is just so many people who clearly see how much this means to Michael. My hands are actually shaking a little bit while typing this and I keep refreshing the page just to make sure I am seeing that number correctly.
January 10, 2014
I just checked and saw we hit one hundred signatures which is honestly just so surreal. Thinking about Michael seeing all these people backing him makes me get all choked up because he deserves this so much more than anyone realizes.
Reached 1,000 supporters
January 10, 2014
Reached 100 supporters
January 10, 2014
625 Comments
As a varsity bowler back in high school, winning first in our division and 3rd in state, I'd rather look back and say 'we were able to give this kid his wish', than to have taken home any of those wins. Let Michael play!!!!
As someone who has seen special needs students try out for a sports team, not make the cut and still be invited to be an active part of the team, it disgusts me that this would be allowed to happen in FRHSD, especially given that Michael seems to be qualified to bowl.
how is HHS going to be so active with the autism program and teach students to respect the children in the program and then deny one of the kids a spot on the bowling team? who cares if its a 'liability' to not have him on the roster
Mikey is one of the brightest people I know, his happy spirit has an extraordinarily positive effect on anyone he encounters. I can only imagine the effort he has put in to be a part of this team. He deserves the experience to be a team member more than anyone.
Simple solution: Put him on the team. My son (who happends to know this amazing young boy) wrestled at the HS. And there was an autistic boy on the team. The coaches would work it out where the boy had time on the mat and they would just end it at a earlier time.
howell high school always taught us to reach for our dreams and never let amything hold us back.. shouldn't they practice what they preech? why should a kid with autism be held to a different standard? this is absurd.
let michael be on the team as an honorary member. let him practice with everyone else. he can sign a statement saying he and his parents will not sue the school if anything happens. his energy will help the team!
I'm a fellow Zuppardo from the New Orleans area, I'm sure we are someway related. Much respect to Michael and his dream. Zuppardo's don't give up and Mikey is a winner in my book. Good luck!
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As a varsity bowler back in high school, winning first in our division and 3rd in state, I'd rather look back and say 'we were able to give this kid his wish', than to have taken home any of those wins. Let Michael play!!!!