Walk into Byron High School, and you may spot two seniors whose smiles and stories light up the hallways: Tyler and Ethan Druien. Twin brothers, just a minute apart in age, the two have carved unique paths through school, sports, and community life. Their journeys are distinct, yet their bond is unshakable—a reminder that strength often comes in pairs.

For Tyler, math class offers satisfaction, while strength training in P.E. gives him the rush of pushing himself further, faster. Ethan gravitates toward addition in math and has found purpose in work experiences that give him independence. Both brothers look forward to their favorite part of school: time with friends like Malachi and Ashly, whose companionship keeps each day bright.

Their teacher, Sara Wheeler, has walked alongside them for years. As one of Byron’s special education teachers, she has guided Tyler all four years and worked with Ethan through a mix of life skills and academic classes. Together, they’ve built routines that not only cover English, math, science, and social studies but also prepare the twins for life beyond high school. Daily living skills classes—cooking, laundry, banking, filling out forms—have given Tyler and Ethan practical tools to step into adulthood with confidence.

Part of their learning extends outside the classroom. Twice a month, Sara takes her students into the community to put lessons into practice. When asked about their favorite outings, both brothers answered without hesitation: bowling. It’s not just a pastime for them; it’s a passion that has brought real triumph. Tyler boasts a high score of 221 and once bowled five strikes in a row. Both he and Ethan earned gold medals at the Special Olympics State Bowling Tournament, proof that their determination and talent can carry them far.

Bowling isn’t their only arena. Tyler and Ethan also compete in flag football, basketball, bocce, swimming, track, and snowshoeing—a sport that took them all the way to State in Galena. Their parents, active leaders in the Gladiators, a Special Olympics team formed by families, have helped nurture these opportunities. “They don’t have much downtime,” Sara noted with admiration. “They’re extremely busy, and they love it.”

Tyler, always eager to try something new, has also taken the stage through the Penguin Project, a theater program for students with disabilities. His debut role as Mike Teavee in Willy Wonka Jr. gave him a taste of the spotlight, and this year he’s rehearsing for Seussical the Musical. Performing brings him joy and confidence, while Ethan cheers him on.

Outside of school, Ethan proudly wears his train hat, decorated with locomotives, a nod to his favorite passion. He loves passenger trains and collects sets at home, including Thomas & Friends Trackmasters. His dream is to work at Uptown Lanes, the local bowling alley, combining his love for the sport with a workplace that feels like home. He also works at the Byron Public Library, shelving books with the same steady focus. Tyler, meanwhile, is exploring options for after graduation: Rock Valley College, Illinois State University, or continuing at his current job with Loomis, where he packages pins—25 per bag—with care and precision.

The brothers’ older siblings, Xelda and Alex, share in their story, providing encouragement alongside the Druien parents. And through it all, Tyler and Ethan’s twin bond is evident: playful, honest, sometimes competitive, but always supportive. “Together you guys win more,” I pointed out during our conversation. It’s true. Whether they’re bowling strikes, training on Byron’s ‘orange track,’ as Ethan puts it, rehearsing lines for the stage, or simply laughing over a game of Mario Kart, Tyler and Ethan remind their community that success is sweetest when it’s shared.

Sara Wheeler, reflecting on her 26 years in special education, calls Byron the best district she could imagine working in. “You just can’t find this in other places,” she said. In her classroom and beyond, that truth comes to life through the Druien brothers. Their story is Byron’s story: one of resilience, inclusion, joy, and the power of family—both at home and in the community.

As seniors preparing for what comes next, Tyler and Ethan stand ready, gold medals and all, to carry their lessons forward. Byron is proud to have been their foundation, and their legacy—and their smiles—will shine for years to come.