In the hallways of Harrisburg High School, senior Ray Bordoy moves with purpose. A student with autism who has attended Harrisburg schools since preschool, Ray has transformed from a once-anxious sophomore who could only attend half days to an ambitious advocate for special education programs throughout the district.

"I just love helping people," Ray says simply, but his actions speak volumes about his dedication to supporting others with special needs.

Ray's remarkable journey has been supported by Brady Mayer, Harrisburg's Special Education Coordinator. Their partnership began last year when Mayer was Ray's special education teacher, focusing on life skills, transition skills, and job preparation.

“People love Ray to death," Mayer says. "He always offers a hug. He's always smiling and always positive."

That positivity fuels Ray's determination to make a difference. Last year, he advocated tirelessly for a functional program at West Side School for students with higher levels of need—a program that Mayer initially thought wouldn't materialize.

"I didn't think it was going to happen, but Ray called it," Mayer explains. When the district experienced an influx of students with special needs, they created the program, keeping the students in their home district rather than sending them to the regional special education cooperative.

Now, Ray spends his seventh and eighth periods each day working in this classroom at West Side, assisting teacher Mrs. Davidson. He helps clean desks, prepares materials, assists with end-of-day routines, and works directly with students, including those with autism who are non-verbal.

"He's a huge asset," Mayer notes. "Especially coming from that special education background himself, he knows exactly what it's like to be a little kiddo who struggles to communicate. He bridges the gap for those guys."

Ray's understanding of communication challenges makes him particularly effective. He wears communication cards daily to help facilitate interactions with non-verbal students—a small detail that showcases his thoughtful approach to supporting others.

The impact of Ray's presence extends beyond practical assistance. "Every single one of the students is just crazy about him," Mayer says. "Even the students who are a little bit tougher or don't cling on to people as quick—they cling on to Ray."

Not content to rest on his achievements, Ray is now advocating for an emotional support program to support students with behavioral challenges. Though Mayer is skeptical about the district's ability to implement such a program immediately, he's hesitant to dismiss Ray's vision after seeing the success of the functional program.

"You have a record of being right," Mayer tells him with a smile.

As Ray prepares to graduate in May, he has his sights set on becoming a paraprofessional, continuing his work with special needs students. "I'm going the extra mile for these kids, and I want to help them succeed in life," he says. It will be a long process to reach the paraprofessional level, but Ray, with Mr. Mayer’s help is determined to get there.

Ray finds inspiration in a beloved former substitute teacher, Steve Vineyard (known as "Vinny"), who passed away last year but was known for his positive impact on students. "I would love to be the next Vinny," Ray says, aspiring to carry on that legacy of positivity and support.

For Mayer, Ray's journey exemplifies what can happen when students are empowered to advocate for themselves and others. What began with tiny goals has evolved into significant achievements that have benefited countless students throughout the district.

"Ray just became super eager to do really well," Mayer reflects. "We started with this expectation, and we set this tiny goal, and usually we work to that goal. But Ray shattered it on the first day and said, 'My goals are bigger.'"

For Ray Bordoy, going the extra mile isn't just an occasional effort—it's a daily commitment to making the world better for those who need it most.