WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | Local Student Receives Honor from Easter Seals

Local Student Receives Honor from Easter Seals

Scottie Gaither knows that 26 times 53 equals 1,378. The River Road Elementary second grader can multiply any number in his head.

When Scottie was two years old, he was diagnosed with a severe form of autism. His parents enrolled him at Easter Seals of West Georgia, where he received occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Thanks to Easter Seals, Scottie is now a successful student.

"He really progressed so much that he was kind of a success story and a graduate of Easter Seals," says Scottie's mom, Barbara Gaither.

Easter Seals officials say Scottie's hard work and good attitude sets him apart from the rest. That's why he was chosen as the 2008 National Child Representative for Easter Seals. The organization shot a video to tell the Gaithers' story, and sent them on a trip to Washington, DC.

"We went down in a car and went sightseeing with one of the photographers and my whole family. He drove us around," Scottie recalled.

His mom says it's their way to give back to the organization that gave them so much.

"It's a chance to give other families hope. Because there's so many children out there every day being diagnosed with autism," Barbara Gaither said.

The Gaithers also have a lot of hope for their son, who continues to improve every day. Scottie loves animals and hopes to be a zookeeper when he grows up. But for the next year, he'll be busy traveling around the United States and speaking on behalf of Easter Seals.