One thing I first noticed about Deon is his strong determination to succeed in life. Over the past two years he has been my student, taking classes in computer science. If you interacted with him you would not know that this loving, caring and ambitious 20 year old had to overcome so many obstacles in his life. As I got to know the family better and also reading the book Unlimited Power: Achieving the Impossible, which tells his life story, I'm truly amazed. I found out that Deon was born a vegetable with many other complications and if he lived to be five his mom would be lucky. Having what I would call a "You can, if you think you can attitude," Deon as well as his mom have taken an impossible situation and turned it into something glorious. I have had the pleasure of seeing him graduate from Piper High School with honors; I would say that this was Deon's proudest moment to date. He calls himself "Differently Abled", which can only place a smile on your face because it is really true. High school graduation is only the beginning for Deon, he intends to pursue college, get his own apartment and become as independent as the guy next door. Deon is also involved with several extra-curricular activities; he's a member of the City of Sunrise Police Department Explorer program which focuses on community service and citizen involvement, he's a basketball and volleyball defense guard on a Special Olympics team, he's avidly involved in church and the list goes on. All I can say is Deon is an amazing young man and with his determination he will go really far in life and I for one will continue to help him in any way I can. Deon reinforces the statement "Dreams do come true."