We love to see an inclusive school community that supports every student. Ethan Slater, a seventh grader from New Jersey, recently went viral for something pretty incredible. You’ve likely seen the Whitney Houston challenge trending on social media. Fans listen to her 1992 hit, “I Will Always Love You.” After Whitney sings, “But above all things, I wish you love,” fans hit a percussion instrument on the beat right before she sings the infamous big ending.
It’s not easy to do, but Ethan Slater, who has Down syndrome, made it look like nothing. The best part wasn’t when he hit the drum on the beat; it’s what happened next that will have you grabbing for the tissues. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @camatotois Ethan Slater’s Entire School Erupted As soon as Ethan Slater nailed the perfect bang on the drum, the whole school community began cheering.
Ethan ran straight ot his teacher, Jessica Vigil, for a huge hug. Jessica told NBC News she loved seeing the school embrace Ethan’s growth and helping him “shine” during his big moment. When asked how he felt about his accomplishment, Ethan gave the camera a huge thumbs up. The original video, posted to Instagram, shows just how excited Ethan Slater’s school community was.
“That’s my boy!!!!! Thank you to the whole school and community for loving him as fiercely as we do,” his mom wrote. “What also isn’t seen here—right after he nailed it, he ran to his teachers for bear hugs, then went student to student spreading his joy. The cheers throughout the entire gym were incredible, but the way he celebrates with pure love might be even better,” another person shared.
The moment touched so many hearts. “I love it when kids are kids and are genuinely excited over things like this. The feeling that boy must have had. Oh, I am tearing up,” someone wrote.
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