East Rockaway boy ‘broke every barrier’ that stood in his way | Herald Community Newspapers

Joe Petraro graduated from high school in early June, as did many of his East Rockaway neighbors. However, unlike most of them, Petraro graduated at the age of 11.

Annie Petraro, Joe’s mother, noticed that her son, who learned much faster than his peers, did not fit the model of the public school system. She enrolled Joe at Holy Name of Mary Catholic School, K12 International Academy, and Penn Foster High School, where he quickly progressed through each grade. After graduation, Joe enrolled in Louisiana State University’s online program, where he will study sports leadership.

Joe said he was happy to have graduated so young. He noted that his attention has shifted to LSU, where he is enrolled in a summer class. He will continue his studies online in the fall and will be required to travel to the Baton Rouge campus twice per semester.

Annie said she never expected her son to graduate high school at this age. She explained that Joe had Tourette’s disease and that his experience of the public school system was that they put kids like him in a box. Joe was in special education in second grade, and Annie said she was confused by that, because of his high intelligence.

“He had gone to a Catholic school and his teacher was like, ‘He’s a genius,’” Annie said. “Even when he was younger, he was put in extra reading help and I was like he just wrote a book, so it’s weird that he had extra reading help.”

Annie said that if Joe’s third grade teacher hadn’t emphasized his intelligence, Joe probably would have still been in a special education class. She added that although Tourette syndrome is considered a disability, it is only one because of the barriers that society puts in place.

“He broke down all the barriers and said, ‘No, I’m smart,’” Annie said. “So once his teacher noticed him, and he had an IQ of 168, he went to a school that had a more demanding curriculum. »

Annie said Joe went through middle school and high school in two and a half years. She met regularly with school counselors to ask if he was a good fit, and they would say, “That’s totally normal. He’s different.”

Joe is no stranger to breaking barriers, devoting his free time to philanthropy, publishing books, volunteering, and more. In May, Joe was honored by The Award Group, who wanted to recognize someone who is very active in the community.

“I am humbled and humbled to be the first A-List honoree from The Award Group, whose storied history dates back to the inauguration of George Washington,” Joe said on his Instagram page. “I am recognized for my work promoting kindness, compassion and mental health awareness. It is a true privilege to be recognized for making a positive impact on the world. »

Annie pointed out that Joe, who got through the first 11 years of his life faster than any ordinary child, doesn’t burn out. She said people say he misses prom and other social events, but that’s not the case.

“Joe is obsessed with scouts, school and camping,” Annie said. “He has so many positive friends. He’s in a dance group and he’s met his people.”

Annie said Joe, who was bullied when he was younger, doesn’t want to “fit in” to social norms because he’s already found a place where he belongs.

“He went to Centre Avenue the other day and had an inclusion event, where people would switch tables at lunch to get to know other people, because that’s how you combat bullying,” Annie said.

Annie pointed out that Vincent Healy, executive director of student and teacher services for the East Rockaway School District, always included Joe in school programs. She said Healy allowed Joe to participate in fundraisers.

“So despite having a different background, he’s very much part of the community,” Annie said.

Even though Joe doesn’t participate in school dances or other events that kids his age participate in, Joe still takes time to be a kid. Annie noticed that the other day Joe was in the pool splashing around with his friend.

“He’s a typical kid, but with an old soul,” Annie said.

In addition to studying sports leadership at LSU, Joe said he would also like to study journalism. Back home, Joe will continue to spend a lot of time with Troop 121 of the Boy Scouts of East Rockaway.