young achievers By: Zach Elliott
MEET
Matthew Brooks Hands Down Pottery
Growing up in English, Indiana, 19-year-old Matthew Brooks doesn’t let his Down syndrome prevent him from doing most of what he wants to do. Matthew graduated from Crawford County High School in May 2021. Playing football his junior and senior years, he had the honor of scoring the final touchdown of the year and being crowned 2020 football homecoming king – before crowning his successor this past fall. Matthew has three brothers – two older, one younger – that he’s very close with. The three of them live at home with his mom and dad, the latter of whom just retired from many years of working at a state park. The family has three dogs – none of which “belong” to Matthew -- but all love him the most.
42 Special Needs Living • December 2021
