Wednesday, March 30th was a special day for a special person at Cahawba Christian Academy. Ryan Davis was surprised with a party celebrating his 17th birthday. Even though Ryan is a junior class at Bibb County High School, he has found a home with CCA. Born two months premature, Ryan has far surpassed the minimal expectations of a child with multiple disabilities. Deaf in his right ear, and impaired in the left, this Down's Syndrome young man has proven to be a positive addition, not only to his family, but also to the Cahawba Christian Academy Chargers.
When Ryan was born to Richard and Becky Davis, they didn’t believe his diagnosis at first since he shared many outward traits of his three older siblings. But Ryan’s older brothers, Scott and Sean, embraced him as special from the very beginning. When Ryan was three months old, Scott went with him when he began the RISE program at the University of Alabama. Scott and Sean helped him in every phase of life – learning to sit, stand up, walk, play baseball, bounce a basketball, and everything else a little brother should do. They have patiently nurtured him despite his minimal communication (he uses only a few words), but his brothers say he speaks with his eyes, actions and heart all the time – he’s always smiling!
Since his mother, Becky, is a life-long educator, she has made sure Ryan has taken advantage of Special Education services offered in Bibb County, where they live. He uses VOX at school to help him talk, but signing is the method of communication at home. When Becky started teaching at Cahawba Christian Academy this school year, the administrator, Shelley Jones, suggested to Mrs. Davis that Ryan be dropped off at CCA every day by the school bus. With this arrangement came Ryan’s preoccupation with basketball.
The CCA Chargers practiced basketball almost every day of the season in the gym of their school. When Ryan appeared on the first day, Coach Mike Allen welcomed him to “play around” in the gym while the team practiced. Coach Allen didn’t realize the team would also welcome and embrace this young man. They encouraged Ryan to shoot baskets with them before scrimmages, to get in line for free throws or just exchange high fives in passing. The whole team didn’t hesitate to “adopt” this pleasant young man. Ryan quickly formed relationships with the team members and he developed a “sign” for the name of each team member.
By the time the basketball season started, Ryan was like a member of the team. They even invited him to run out onto the court at the beginning of games with the team. Ryan would lead the team as they broke through the “Chargers” sign to begin their warm-ups. During the games, Ryan sat directly behind Coach Allen, mimicked his moves and directions, yelled when a score was made, and shook his pompoms. Families and fans became accustomed to Ryan’s game time antics and enthusiasm.
One of the highlights of the season for Ryan was getting to actually “play” in the special Homecoming Game. In this game, Alumni challenged the Varsity boys and girls in a short basketball game. Ryan participated with his typical enthusiasm and became a star player to the crowd. It was magical to see Ryan embraced by the crowd, alums and teammates.
The climax of the season for Ryan came at the ACEA State Tournament in Oxford, AL. When the Chargers won the Division II Region B Championship, Ryan was included as all the individual team members cut down the net from the goal. Since he couldn’t manipulate the scissors, Coach Allen’s wife, Michelle, quickly got up on the ladder with Ryan to help him receive a part of the net just as the other team members had. It was a touching moment for the team and fans when Ryan triumphantly held up his piece of the net, beaming with excitement and yes, a big smile.
With springtime, the basketball season passes and baseball season begins, but Ryan’s interest in athletics doesn’t wane. His brothers instilled an interest in not just one sport, but many. Ryan continues as a faithful cheerleader for the school that has so willingly adopted him, regardless what the playing field.
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