Disability Doesn’t Keep Volunteer From Helping Kids

A volunteer at a valley school is teaching students anything is possible. His story of tragedy and triumph is the perfect example.

He’s in high demand, the popular guy in class.

“John John is here. John John is here,” said Dylan Vanbuskirk, 5th grade students at Ronald Reagan Elementary.

Jonathon Grave, or John John as the kids call him, is not your typical classroom volunteer.

“I’m supposed to be living in a nursing home,” said Grave.

Six years ago an accident at work left him paralyzed from the waist down.

“I had a rack of 6 hundred pounds fall on me.” said Grave.

The accident shattered his confidence and his future.

“Once you’re paralyzed, it’s hard to find a job or for anyone to want to work with you,” said Grave.

However, at Ronald Reagan Elementary School the students beg to work with him. He’s their favorite volunteer. Students say he’s no different than anyone else. Well, some say he’s better.

“He’s the best,” said Mario Munayco, 5th grade student at Ronald Reagan Elementary.

“He really helps us. I want to be like him when I grow up,” said Vanbuskirk

Four days a week, Grave volunteers at Ronald Reagan Elementary School. He spend the day in Wendy Jonathan’s fifth grade classroom, helping out the students. Mrs. Jonathan said she relies on John John, especially since budget cuts increased class sizes.

“I’ve had up to 33 kids in a class, so to have the extra body in here has been incredible,” said Jonathan.

To the children, Grave is a tutor, a friend and an inspiration.

“We can do it. If he can do it, we can do it,” said Vanbuskirk. “We’re all lucky to have him.”

But Grave feels he’s the lucky one. He said through his loss, he’s gained much more.