Dylan Kuehl: First Graduate with Down Syndrome Makes History at 51-Year-Old Evergreen State College

Dylan Kuehl, 38, earned the first graduate living with Down Syndrome honors at Evergreen State College after he earned his bachelor's degree last June 10, 2022. Kuehl received a Bachelor of Arts, with an emphasis on writing. He said he loved his painting and dance classes the most.

He shared that since he lives differently than others, people often say he would not make it. He again proved his detractors wrong as he wore his toga and sash on his college graduation day.

Kuehl was also one of the three students out of the 900 graduates chosen to give a speech at the ceremony, Local 12 reports.

One out of 900

When Kuehl addressed his speech to the graduates, he admitted that he never thought of making it "this far," recalling that when he started, people told him that he was not ready for college. The comments, he admitted, discouraged him, but instead of giving up, he built a "yes team."

Per the US Times Post, he thanked his fellow students, tutors, teachers, and mother for helping him on his journey, but he stressed that he earned his degree alone.

He hoped his story would inspire others to celebrate their skills and live their lives with ambition and pride. He is optimistic that even if he is the first with Down Syndrome to graduate from college, he will not be the last.

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Did a whole lot better than he thought

Local reporters first met Kuehl in 2009 when he fought a proposal to cut funding to art camps. In 2009, he organized a musical project called the Jackson Memory band which he formed after Michael Jackson died in 2009.

As per Abilities.com, he is a visual artist, musician, and dancer from Olympia, Washington. He got his first drum kit when he was three. Born with Down Syndrome, he strived to live life to the fullest and dreamed big. At 33, he has a jewelry line and an inspirational DVD.

In 2016, one of his biggest dreams came true when he had the opportunity to meet the members of Michael Jackson's family. Gifts from the Heart for Downs, a non-profit organization, helped him meet Micheal Jackson's mother, Katherine, brother Jermaine, and son Blanket. He danced the singer's dance moves in the ballroom where he rehearsed Jackson 5 in Los Angeles. His dedicated and heartfelt routines moved Jermaine and Katherine to tears. The music came from a Michael Jackson video played off an iPad, which Kuehl played religiously. He perfected his moves, prompting Jermaine to comment that he hit every single dance move of Michael's.

Katherine admitted that she was so moved by Kuehl, noting that, like Michael, Kuehl is shy at first, but once on the stage, their star power would shine through.

As per King 5 News, Dylan plans to pursue a Master's degree after graduation.

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