RAPID RIVER, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Sunday, a Delta County community came together to celebrate a special graduate.
Senior Ian Aper just graduated from Gladstone High School
“Ian is a wonderful kid,” said Ian’s stepmother, Rebecca Baron. “He is on the autistic spectrum. He’s brilliant. He does struggle with structural routines and things like that, but as far as academically, he is very smart.”
As graduation party season approached, Baron says she noticed a lack of invites from other students.
“I decided to take it upon myself to put it online and start a little parade for Ian,” she said. “I believe children with disabilities work harder than any kids in the high school and I wanted him to have a great party.”
The community responded in full force, taking a lap around Masonville Township Park during Ian’s graduation party.
“We have a bunch of business locally that reached out to us and are supporting us,” said Baron. “Mo’s Pub, Smith Lumber Company, the police departments, the fire departments, Rock EMT.”
Friends and loved ones also joined the parade, handing Ian cards and gifts as they drove by. Afterward, Ian gave some of them—including Michigan State Police and Delta County Sheriff’s Office personnel—a ride on his golf cart.
“I mean, I feel touched greatly,” Ian said. “I’m just blessed to be visited by so many people that care about me.”
Now, he wants to share that blessing with others through a new Facebook initiative.
“We will be known as Superior Supporters, a support group to help disabled kids and vulnerable adults,” he explained.
“Volunteers can support them by mailing them letters, attending their parades, or anything else that family may need,” said Baron. “It’s important because community support is healing. This helps him get ready to take the next step. I was really worried about, when Ian graduated, him being socially isolated. Now, he can reach out to vulnerable adults and disabled children and make everybody feel included.”
Ian is passionate about video games and technology. He hopes to follow that passion by pursuing programming, and he is looking into an I.T. certification program at Northern Michigan University this fall.
Until then, Baron says they are celebrating the achievements of one graduate who means so much to his community.
“There were many days where it was very hard for him,” she said. “Our motto in our house is, ‘tomorrow’s a new day,’ and we walked in with our heads held high and got through each week. I’m just so proud of him.”
“This is probably one of the best days of my life,” Ian said.
Click here to visit the Superior Supporters Facebook page. Footage from Ian’s parade and party will air on WZMQ 19’s Monday newscasts.
