Student with Down syndrome inducted into National Honor Society

From the Kansas City Star:

Friends and teachers say they are not surprised that 17-year-old Sarah Sherman from Overland Park, Kansas, was inducted into Blue Valley North High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society. They say she blends right into the group, even though she is the only one who has Down syndrome.

Her family says Sarah has constantly exceeded expectations and does not see limitations. To earn the award, she maintained a 3.75 grade point average and contributed 40 hours of community service by volunteering with Meals on Wheels, at her grandparents’ church, and at a nursing home doing sign language with a resident who has a hearing impairment.

“People would look at us like, ‘She can’t be doing that,’ ” said her mother, Pam Sherman. “She can. She did.” … “I learned from experience hard work does pay off,” Sarah said. “I feel if I persevere, the work will get done, and hard work does pay off.”