4th Grade Ehlers Danlos Student Receives Statewide Award

Dominic McMinn was chosen for this year’s “Every Student Succeeding” award and scholarship in California. An Ehlers Danlos student in the Accelerated Reading Program, he’s not only excelled academically, but overcome great physical hurdles. He is also the the youngest award recipient. Congratulations on your accomplishments, Dominic!

Submitted to the Appeal-Democrat.

Dominic McMinn, left, a fourth-grade student from Bangor Elementary School, received The Every Student Succeeding Award. Dominic is pictured with Bangor School Principal Paul Arnold.

“Dominic was named this year’s Region 2 representative, the youngest award recipient, representing all schools in Butte, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, El Dorado, Glenn, Nevada, Placer, Plumas and Sierra counties.

He also received a $1,000 scholarship to go toward his college education from the Association of School Administrators. The Every Student Succeeding Recognition Program honors students who exceed expectations.

Dominic weighed only 11 pounds at 13 months, and began to walk at 3 years old. He received help from two physical therapists and speech therapists. At age 4, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition known as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Going from basically non-verbal when first seen in the Bangor Elementary School to now in the fourth grade as a part of the Accelerated Reading Program, Dominic continues to prove what an outstanding support group can do.