Scared Monkeys #1 Favorite Inspirational Story of 2006 … Jason McElwain

Do you not remember who Jason McElwain is and what he did in 2006? This is Scared Monkey’s #1 most inspirational story of 2006.

There are special moments in time that come a long once in a lifetime. With all we here about with the bad stories of kids in high-schools and sports in todays society comes a story and a miracle for the ages. What happens when someone is given their opportunity?

Jason McElwain’s story puts all other sports stories and the will to compete, strive and overcome adversity on the back burner. Jason or J-Mac was the senior high school waterboy/team manager who scored 20 points on senior night at Greece Central School. Folks you have to go back and watch this to believe it. As we always say … “you can’t make this stuff up.”

Wednesday for “Senior Night,” Athena coach Jim Johnson had Jason suit up for the game. He sat excitedly on the bench in his school colors, number 52; an acknowledgment of Jason’s commitment to the program.

Athena moved to a comfortable 20-point lead against Spencerport. With the home crowd calling and classmates waving signs of support, Johnson called down the bench to number 52. Jason, headband and all, headed out onto the court.

“I just wanted to score a basket,” McElwain said.

“I”m just sitting there saying `Let him score just one point,’” his mom, Deb said.

One of the most unbelievable stories ever.

 

Jason McElwain is autistic and what happened next after he went into the basketball game was one f the most inspiring and uplifting moments I have ever seen in my life. Not just from a stand point of Jason being “in the zone” and raining 3’s in from everywhere, but also from the crowds reaction. At games end, Jason McElwain had set a school record and was carried off the court on his teams shoulders. As Jason would later say, “I just caught fire, I was as hot as a pistol”.

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In the game’s final four minutes, Jason shot five more times from behind the three-point arc. He made them all. Each time, teammates on the bench would hold their heads and scream, fans would stomp, tears would flow.

Jason scored 20 points. He set an Athena record with a half-dozen three-pointers. His teammates and friends stormed the court. They raised him on their shoulders… wide-eyed and in awe of what they had seen. They asked Jason for his autograph. (RNews)

We were fortunate enough to email with some of Jason’s teammates after the event occurred. They were all so very happy for him and overwhelmed by the media attention. Jason McElwain was given his one moment in time and created one of the most special and inspirational moments ever. Coming soon to a movie theater near you, although it will never match the real life version of what J-Mac did that one amazing night.

UPDATE: J-Mac graduates: Looking back on a stellar year

Valedictory speaker Michelle Dromgold spoke of her classmates’ future, saying some know what they want and some have no idea.

“We all need the courage to choose the path that is right for us even though it may be intimidating and challenging …,” she said. “We can not allow difficulties to get in the way of our dreams. We must persevere.”

When his name was called, Jason walked across the stage to a smattering of applause as he collected his IEP, or Individual Education Plan. Every special-needs student has one. When he or she completes the goals outlined in it, he or she may graduate. The IEP is not a diploma.