Raymond Tetschner – University of North Florida (McElroy Family Scholarship Award)

Raymond is this year’s recipient of the Ruby’s Rainbow McElroy Family Scholarship Award. He is excited to start college this fall at the University of North Florida, and is especially excited to drum in the university pep band. He hopes to take courses in theater, music performance and reading music, and video production, as well as ocean biology, since he loves ocean animals.

In high school, Raymond was one of the first students to be fully included in general-education classes. He was active in theater as well as Special Olympics throughout high school, and managed the baseball and football teams. He has been selected to play drums for numerous races and fundraising events, and to speak at events about the importance of inclusion. An active self-advocate, Raymond has met with multiple members of Congress to discuss issues of importance to the Down syndrome community.

Raymond’s teachers and mentors describe him as someone who brings joy to others. He describes himself as someone who loves trying new things and who always tries hard. We see these qualities in you, Raymond! We believe in you—you rock!