Benjamin Wortham

James Clemens High School

Madison, Alabama

Benjamin Wortham, a sophomore at James Clemens High School in Madison, is a remarkable young man who embodies resilience, talent, and a deep-seated empathy. As a friend, Allison Lewis has witnessed Ben’s extraordinary journey and his unwavering spirit in the face of significant challenges. Maintaining a 3.7 GPA, Ben demonstrates a strong commitment to his academic success while simultaneously excelling in music, art, and photography.

Ben’s artistic talents are undeniable. He is a member of the archery team, the Competition marching band, the Symphonic band, and the Honor band, and participates in solo and ensemble performances. He sat first chair clarinet in his middle school band and received the “Outstanding Woodwind Award” in 8th grade. His achievements in the National PTA Reflection Competition are particularly noteworthy. He has won or placed multiple times, including a remarkable sweep in 2021, where he won first place at the school, district, and state levels in six categories, culminating in a first-place national win for his clarinet composition. This year, he again placed first at James Clemens High School in both photography and music composition for the competition. Ben also plays in the city youth orchestra and serves as a tester for band students at Hallman’s Music Store, further demonstrating his dedication to music. Beyond his artistic pursuits, Ben actively contributes to his community. He has volunteered with Toys 4 Tots, works part-time in his family’s bakery, and serves as an intern for the youth orchestra.

Ben’s journey is all the more inspiring considering the significant adversities he has overcome. Born dead with an APGAR score of 0, he was resuscitated at birth and diagnosed with Global Cerebral Atrophy, resulting in missing part of his brain, poor muscle tone, and vision and hearing impairments. Later, he received an autism diagnosis at Vanderbilt. His first pediatrician offered a grim prognosis, believing he wouldn’t survive past four months; however, Ben defied all expectations. Through extensive therapy with Alabama Early Intervention, the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and the Blind, Alabama Rehabilitation Services, and the Huntsville UCP Center, along with dedicated home therapy from his parents, he learned to talk, sit, and walk.

Ben’s educational journey has been equally remarkable. He participated in the Developmental Pre-K Program and transitioned successfully to a regular kindergarten class. As a special needs student with an IEP, he has benefited from the public school system’s special education department, utilizing assistive devices like “Talk to Text” and receiving oral test and book readings. His teachers have noted his exceptional aptitude for math, attributing it to his acute listening skills developed as a result of his vision and reading challenges. His middle school math teacher observed that Ben often solved problems mentally before others could write them down.

Ben’s story is one of triumph over adversity. He transforms his challenges into opportunities to model empathy and understanding. Open about his conditions, he encourages his peers to ask questions about Global Cerebral Atrophy and autism, fostering a more inclusive and accepting environment. Despite facing teasing and prejudice, Ben responds with kindness and understanding. He is a powerful example of perseverance, proving that special needs students are capable of achieving and exceeding expectations. Benjamin Wortham is a testament to the power of the human spirit and a truly deserving candidate for recognition as a Young Hero.