By Kyle Van Frank Executive Director, FIRE Foundation of Denver
In the summer of 2023, Taelyn received exciting news — she would be attending St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Longmont that fall.
To some, the news of school attendance isn’t always exciting. The end of summer, the return of structure and homework and increased responsibilities aren’t always met with the joy we might hope for our children.
But for Taelyn, this news was bigger than an enrollment designation. This news would mean she would be able to attend the same school as her older brothers, Landon and Tristan. Enrollment in Catholic school was not always a given for Taelyn, who happens to have Down syndrome. However, when she learned she would be heading to Catholic school that fall for kindergarten, she began wearing her uniform every day in joyful anticipation.
When the FIRE Foundation of Denver first heard about this amazing story of glee and anticipation from the school’s principal at the time, Dr. Kemmery Hill, we had to share the story on social media. Little did we know that another incoming kindergarten student would see that post and know at first glance that she had met her best friend.
“I want to be her friend!” Poppy Gallagher told her mom, Cami.
As fate would have it, Poppy and Cami ended up seated next to Jill and Taelyn at St. John's back-to-school open house. From that point on, Taelyn and Poppy were inseparable.
As the school year progressed, Taelyn’s mom, Jill, got to know another classmate’s mom, Corrissa Avery, through their mutual connection playing college basketball. Corrissa’s daughter, Pippa, began to form friendships with Taelyn and Poppy. Pippa’s gentle and sincere approach to her friendship with Taelyn has been a gift to all three girls.
Thanks to Taelyn, students at St. John are growing in empathy, understanding and a greater sense of flexibility. At recess, students have adapted the competitive and high-stakes world of Nine Square for Taelyn’s abilities.
Jill received a note last year from Taelyn’s teacher letting her know that Taelyn was late for all her elective classes because too many students wanted to stop, say hello, give her a hug and knucks, and celebrate her inclusion at their school.
What a wonderful reason for tardiness!
When other students first saw a paraprofessional working with Taelyn, they asked who this was and why they were there. But now, it’s just normal and an accepted part of classroom life at St. John.
“Poppy learns alongside students with diverse needs, including those with physical disabilities, learning differences and varying cultural backgrounds,” Cami, Poppy’s mom, said. “This constant interaction has cultivated a genuine sense of empathy and understanding. They've learned to look beyond perceived differences and appreciate the unique gifts and contributions of each individual. It's not just about tolerance; it's about genuine connection and friendship.”
And that is exactly what Taelyn, Pippa and Poppy are experiencing at St. John — genuine friendship and belonging together.
“What does the Catholic school do for Tae?” Jill is often asked.
“It’s equal if not more of what she does for St. John’s,” she explained. “The empathy these kids are learning, the generosity, the kindness — no parent, including myself, could have ever taught their kids to be truly a good person to the depth that my daughter does. What more could we want our kids to learn in Catholic schools than being a kind and loving person?”
Whether for physical reasons or the stubbornness of youth, Taelyn is not always keen on kneeling.
One day, in Eucharistic Adoration, Taelyn was not kneeling with her peers. Without skipping a beat, Pippa looked over and said, “Tae, can you pray for me?” Immediately, Taelyn knelt down and began to pray.
She knelt for the remainder of the Holy Hour, praying for her friend.
Inclusive Catholic education is all about encountering Christ’s love and compassion between these students while in his presence during Eucharistic Adoration.
Children with disabilities and their neurotypical peers seek to know, love and serve God together. They gain the gift of praying for each other. They gain the gift of encountering Christ’s ineffable light shining through their lives by nature of their creation in his image. They gain the gift of Christ-centered friendship, journeying towards sainthood and scholarship as companions on that great road.
In short — they gain a richer, fuller understanding of what it means to be loved by God.
“St. John’s has just been so great. For us as parents, the school's commitment to inclusion has been incredibly reassuring. It's given us peace of mind knowing our children are in a place where everyone feels welcomed and valued. The school's focus on inclusion isn't just about accommodating differences; it's about creating a community where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential, and that's something our whole family has benefited from,” said Taelyn’s dad, Jared.
