More To The Story With Staley: Twins Graduating At Top Of Their Class

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – They are as different as night and day. But they both face the same challenges. And right now, they are beating those challenges. As they move on to the next level of education.

It’s 18 year old Aidan Bird and his twin brother Tate. Graduating seniors at Skyuka Hall. That’s a school in Brainerd that serves children who are neurodiverse. Who learn differently.
They are alike in some ways. Completely different in others.

Aiden Bird, “I prefer my own space. But he’s really quiet. He’s more into science. I’m into history. He plays fun games alone. I like to play with people.”

Tate Bird, “He’s sarcastic and pretty sassy. He’s kind of a jerk sometimes. Yes, a jerk. I’m calling him out right now!”

Louis Lee, Multimedia Specialist, “For example, they did a project recently. Aidan chose to be General Patton. Tate’s choice was Winston Churchill. I think that illustrates the differences.”

The two finished 1-2 in their graduating class. Tate the valedictorian. Aiden the salutatorian. Despite the fact both face the challenge of dyspraxia. It affects movement and coordination. But not intelligence. However, the journey for these two has never been easy.

Aiden Bird, “It’s an extreme challenge. But it’s been good here. Low stress. Back in middle school, I couldn’t go to school for some two years. It’s life long. I’m stuck with it.”

Tate Bird, “Dyslexia affects the brain. Dispraxia affects the body. I can’t snap my fingers. I can’t tie knots. And my hand writing is really bad.”

But the young men have overcome. Aiden now heads to ETSU. Tate is going to Chatt-State. But they have left their mark at Skyuka Hall.

Dr. Meredith Bocian, English Teacher, “They are as different as can be. One loves history. The other loves math. But they are great young men. And great leaders. Giving more than I could ever ask for.”

Onward and upward for both. Going their separate ways now but then again, forever together.