Brandon’s Bio
Brandon has been part of the Noorthoek Academy family for 7 years. He is an avid athlete and participates in Special Olympics. Brandon loves country music and going to live shows. He has begun to learn to play the ukulele and has dreams to make a record some day. He is proud to live independently and to be a spokesperson for the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign.
Brandon’s Poetry
Wonderful World
As the sun sets in the far distance,
I hear birds chirping.
The air feels warm as I walk the path
of the Great Wall of China.
Making my way through the Forbidden City,
I see amazing artwork
throwing stunning colors into
the outer courtyard.
Gazing at the Giant Buddha Statue,
I find the center of myself.
Purpose and meaning.
Watching the caretakers
at a Panda rescue reminds me
Of what a wonderful world we live in.
Traveling through Wild Elephant Valley,
I imagined that I was part of a circus,
doing tricks with my elephant friend.
I can’t help myself
in Butterfly Valley
to throw my arms out wide
and run through the wildflowers
while the wings of the butterflies
gently kiss my skin.
Sounds of China
Smooth and serene.
I imagine that I am
breaking through the rainforest
into classical modern times.
I claim the night sky
through the Butterfly Valley
to the sunrise
over the Great Wall of China.
Reaching for Stars
Kasey and Carrie.
Faithful friends who lift me up
encouraging me to follow my dreams.
My life has been changed
by your friendship and love.
Opening doors to a future that I dream of,
a place where I belong.
I see a world of possibilities
and stars to reach for.
My Grateful Heart
As I was growing up,
Aunt Amanda was always there.
So many of the good things
in my life are because
You are in it.
My heart is grateful.
Chasing a Dream
Carrie and Kasey,
two of the bravest people I know.
Pursuing music and writing songs.
They encourage me
to be good to myself
and chase my dream,
knowing I’m not alone in the world.
Life's Little Moments
Listening to the ocean waves
crashing against the sandy shore.
Warm feelings
as family gathers around.
Life’s little moments.
All together.
Sharing stories and laughter.
Respect
The people of Hawaii
care for their world
and each other.
This is malama
The “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign
is all about caring for myself and others.
Teaching us to respect
all people.
Malama in action.
Thankful
Shared experiences
with loved ones
makes for a beautiful life.
Friends that are family.
Thankful.
I Found Hope
I have found hope
with the discovery of giving back
to others.
I never imagined
that one day, I would be more
than I am.
Faith and destiny turned to hope
on the day that I met you.
Music inspires me.
I hope to record my own music
and make a difference
in people’s lives.
Welcome
President Biden.
You and I
are alike.
We share a disability
called stuttering.
We now look to you
to get us through these hard moments.
Thankful to live in the
land of the free.
Praying to be together again.
Welcome to the White House.
Soulfulness
Soulfulness.
My superpower.
Finding something special
and pure
inside you and me.
Confidence
Moving to Gracious Grounds
was my goal.
I wasn’t sure if I could
live on my own.
With help from my parents and friends,
I found strength
to keep going.
More confident every day.
Be Kind Everyone
Look around you.
Everyone is different.
Show respectfulness.
Practice kindness.
We need more love.