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<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge) Boris Sonntag of Darrington   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • Graduates of 2008: School work kept Lake Stevens boy focused 6/8/08 • Illness put Granite grad's goal in focus 6/8/08 • Kamiak's dynamic duo head for Havard 6/8/08 • Path of Snohomish grad inspires father 6/8/08 • Sultan grad had to take charge 6/8/08   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Sunday, June 8, 2008 Darrington teen learned to use abilities Graduate of 2008 Boris Sonntag dreams big. He wants to fight with the Marines, design world-class video games and move away from the only town he's ever known: Darrington. Some say his plans are unrealistic. But Sonntag has surprised before and accomplished what few in this mountain community thought he could. Yesterday, Sonntag graduated from Darrington High School. Earning a diploma is the biggest feat of his 18 years. Sonntag graduated on time, along with many students he's known since kindergarten. Back then, he couldn't speak. Diagnosed with autism, a developmental disorder that makes forming relationships difficult, Sonntag preferred to be alone. Classroom noise bothered him. He struggled academically. Yet, over the years, he learned to adapt. When class got too loud and he felt like he couldn't handle the noise, he left and paced the halls. Though he didn't always enjoy their company, he learned to tolerate his classmates. In turn, they accepted him. He taught himself tae kwon do from a book and practices the martial art alone at home and in the school gym. "It centers my spirit," he said. During his final year in school, he took just one special education class and spent the rest of the day in mainstream courses. Many students didn't realize he was autistic. He passed the same reading WASL test that most Washington seniors took. For the writing test, he passed a version designed for special education students. Like the rest of Darrington's graduates, he stood on a stage in front of teachers and residents and delivered his senior presentation. Sonntag hates talking -- especially about himself -- and the prospect of discussing his goals and interests in front of strangers terrified him. But he did it. He found his voice. Without note cards, Sonntag lectured for 10 minutes and 51 seconds. It was the longest his teachers had ever heard him speak. His message: Understand the abilities you have. Then turn them into something great. -- Kaitlin Manry

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