Adam Brunetti discusses his plans for the benefit with the Woonsocket School Committee
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Growing up in Woonsocket with Aspergers Syndrome, a form of Autism, Adam Brunetti found that once he was outside the comforts of his home and family, few people understood what he was actually going through.
As he advanced through the Woonsocket school system, Brunetti had difficulties with not only with students that didn't understand his situation, but also a majority of his teachers.
“When I was in the Middle School I knew that I had my quirks and no one really understood me,” Brunetti said. “Today, Autism Awareness has increased, but it’s still not well known.”
Now a senior at the Woonsocket High School, Brunetti wants to give back. His goal is to educate the teachers about Autism and its many spectrums so that they can efficiently teach those afflicted, and enlighten other students who are unfamiliar with Autism.
This Friday, April 8 between 6 and 9 pm Brunetti has put together a night of fun at the high school auditorium to raise money for this goal. In addition to a variety show, the Woonsocket High School Jazz Band as well as the Drum Corps and Select Choir will all perform for a small admittance price of $10. Proceeds will go to the Woonsocket Music Department as well as the Autism Project of Rhode Island.
“It was hard at first,” Brunetti said of deciding where to direct the proceeds. “When I approached Mr. Plouffe (Band Director) he was all for it. I just had to figure out how to get Autism Awareness involved.”
The Autism Project of Rhode Island will use money from the benefit and to implement Autism Training in the Woonsocket School Departments.
Lynn Kapiskas
3:46 pm on Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Adam: I am so proud of you and your efforts on behalf of autism awareness and education. My son also has Aspergers and it is wonderful to have you as an example for him! Thank you!!
Robin Crane
9:08 am on Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Thank you for all your hard work Adam. We are looking forward to an enjoyable evening. I know how hard you have worked to make this night come together, you are truly an inspiration.
Carol A. Frisk
10:26 am on Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Carol A. Frisk
As Adam's elementary school principal, I recognized long ago what a fabulous and creative young man he was. Even as a young boy, Adam met with me about special informative presentations he wished to organize for our Leo A. Savoie School community. I salute Adam for his accomplishments to date and wish him much continued success and happiness. Bravo also to the Brunetti family! Job well done!
Brenda
10:53 am on Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Wishing you the best of luck with your benefit on Friday night Adam!
DLB
11:03 am on Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Adam,
You are an outstanding young man who will continue to make our world a better place. We wish you great success with your fundraiser. Thank you for sharing your story with us, and for all your hard work to help others.
The Bousquet Family
James Evans
11:19 am on Wednesday, April 6, 2011
They are a very nice family. Congratulations to you all.
Tush Cote
2:49 pm on Wednesday, April 6, 2011
I don't know young Mr. Brunetti, but if we had as many smart young people as he is, then maybe Woonsocket isn't going to be that bad off in the future.
Robin Crane
7:45 pm on Wednesday, April 6, 2011
We do have many bright students in Woonsocket, it's just that we do not often hear about their accomplishments as often as we hear about the "troubled" students.
Sandrina Baldelli
8:37 pm on Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Way to go Adam. Good luck to you now and in the future.
Bruce Heroux
9:04 pm on Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Adam, I am a former teacher of yours and very proud of your accomplishments. I think your parents have been excellent advocates for you and others within the Autism spectrum. God Bless.
Baxter
6:45 pm on Thursday, April 7, 2011
I would like to let people know that they have been misinformed about this benefit! It was not only set up and produced by Adam. There were also two other High School students that also gave a great amount of time and energy into this benefit. I would personally like to thank both of those young men Ricky Gramstorff; Sophomore and Jamel Williams: Senior for all of their efforts. I think it is awful that this article does not state the true facts that this was a group effort of the three guys not just one.
Sandy Phaneuf
1:03 am on Friday, April 8, 2011
Baxter,
This article, written in February is about the benefit: http://patch.com/A-fl63. The Patch "Whiz Kids" feature acknowledges extraordinary work of specific kids that live in Woonsocket. The above article is Adam Brunetti's story, although we were very happy to simultaneously have the opportunity to promote the benefit.
Thank you for acknowledging all the individuals who made it happen.