Lemarion Lillard’s journey at Momence Elementary School is a story of progress, resilience, and dreams. Now a third grader, Lemarion has transitioned from using assistive devices to communicate to thriving in a general education classroom with resource support. His story, marked by milestones and the unwavering support of educators like Jamie Smant, inspires everyone around him.

When Lemarion started preschool, communicating was a challenge. Verbalizing thoughts and needs felt almost impossible, and he relied on a Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) device to express himself. Jamie Smant, a dedicated speech pathologist in the district, remembers those early days vividly.

“When he was little, Lemarion had a hard time processing and expressing language,” Jamie explains. “We started with simple words like ‘more’ or ‘help’ on his device. Over time, he began to string together phrases like ‘I want ball.’ Watching him develop those skills was incredible.”

Through hard work and determination, Lemarion made steady progress. Speech therapy, both at school and privately, played a significant role in helping him build his communication skills. By the time he reached first grade, his verbal abilities had grown to the point where he no longer needed the device.

The transition from a specialized classroom to a general education setting was another huge milestone. “Lemarion has come so far,” Jamie says. “He went from being in a special classroom full-time to needing only resource support. Now, he’s learning right alongside his peers.”

Lemarion’s favorite part of school? “Recess and lunch,” he says with a smile. Packed lunches from home are a highlight for him, often prepared by family members while his mother is in Jamaica. Living with his siblings and aunt, Lemarion values the love and support of his family as he navigates school life.

In the classroom, Lemarion thrives under the guidance of teachers like Mrs. Lambert, whom he describes as “funny” and “very nice.” One of his favorite memories is spending time in her classroom with Habby, the class hamster, who occasionally scurries around during lessons. “We even get to carry Habby,” Lemarion says, his eyes lighting up.

Outside of school, Lemarion’s passion lies in soccer. As a defensive player, he enjoys the strategic challenges of protecting the goal. “I’m good at defense,” he says proudly. “It’s my favorite part of the game.”

Looking to the future, Lemarion dreams of becoming a soccer coach or exploring other paths as a hard-working professional. His questions about how much coaches or McDonald’s employees earn reflect his growing curiosity about the world and his place in it.

Jamie Smant, who continues to work with Lemarion weekly, is inspired by his journey. “Lemarion is proof that growth is possible when you have the right support system,” she says. “He’s a reminder that every student has potential and deserves the chance to reach it.”

For Momence Elementary School, Lemarion’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, community, and the dedicated work of educators who believe in their students. As Lemarion continues to grow and dream, his journey promises to inspire many more along the way.