Rion Holcombe, Born With Down Syndrome, Accepted To Clemson University LIFE Program

rion holcombe clemson down syndrome college

“They said yes!”

Kleenex alert! I recently came across this video of Rion Holcombe, a 20 year old with Down syndrome, receiving an acceptance letter to the Clemson University LIFE program. Hit play below to watch the video. (And you’ve been warned about the kleenex!)

I admit I teared up while watching this. As a parent of a little boy with Down syndrome I can only imagine how proud and happy Rion’s parents are for there boy! I also love the sense of pride in Rion’s voice as he read the letter. So awesome! I don’t know you Rion, but I’m proud of you!

I love towards the end of the video when Rion realizes he was going to college. The look on his face is heart meltingly awesome, and I could listen to him proudly proclaim:

They said yes!? Oh my gosh…!!! That’s Crazy!”

a thousand times!

There’s never been a better time in the history of the world to be born with Down syndrome! People with Down syndrome are going to college, getting married, modelinggetting their driver’s licensechanging the world, and accomplishing amazing milestones every day!! I’m so proud to be Noah’s daddy, and love having a front row seat to what God is doing in His life every day.

What do you think about this video? Would you like to see other colleges roll out similar programs as well?  (I sure would!)

About Rick Smith

Hi, I'm Noah's Dad and I'm passionate about giving the world a window into our life as we raise our son who was born with Down syndrome. I also enjoy connecting with other families, so let's stay connected.

Comments

  1. Jennifer Willey says

    How great this is! It is so nice to know that perceptions are changing and that our little ones will have opportunities that were once not possible. I am still crying with joy for Rion and his family!

  2. Tracey Peddle says

    Woop woop well done xx

  3. I wish every special ed director in every school in the country could see this! Way to go Rion!!

  4. hallo, I’m Italian, I have two children and the second one has DS..he is now 2 years and 8 months..before we have never searched for another child, but in the last time we did..we know there are chances he or she will have DS..my mother told me we are crazy..but my child gave us so much joy , he is sweet and also healthy . Thanks for this video, very good, I hope this is the best time to be born with Ds…

  5. Absolutely! I would love to see more programs , scholarships and education opportunities for children with DS or any other learning disabilities. A college degree is so important in order to crossover to adulthood. I dream of my child achieving this important milestone someday and I will do everything in my power to make it happen. I am already saving for it 😉 he is 1 year and 4 months !

    best of luck Rion!!

    • Cheryl Tiesenga says

      It’s o nice to see them excepted in things and schools.
      I know some people with Down’s and they’re a joy to be around.
      I heard one time we’ll all on the same river but, in a different boat.
      I have CP but we all human and servants of the same King.

  6. Terrie Cunningham says

    My son, Noah talks about going to college all the time. He hears older siblings & cousins talk about college so why can’t he go to college? We look forward to the day he goes!

  7. Cheryl Tiesenga says

    I did.

  8. Alice Halsey says

    My daughter Melena has DS, she wants to go to college, model, be an actress. When she was in her twenties these opportunities were not available to her. She’s forty two and still dreams of having what everyone else has, independence and the chance of a life doing what she loves doing. I hope and pray all colleges make the effort to have similar programs like Clemson.

  9. mylittle daughter has Ds she will be one year old in a week I love her so much and wish she would fit in and never feels different finaly the best of luck for beatiful Rion god bless u and ur family

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