Community Corner

Whiz Kid: Bernhardt Siblings Share a Bond through Special Olympics

Jessica and Justin Bernhardt are a brother-sister duo unlike many. Both attend Hazelwood West and are doing major things in the name of Special Olympics.

You could say Justin Bernhardt's #1 fan is his sister Jessica.

A freshman, Justin will be recognized on April 28 and presented with the St. Louis Metro Area of the Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) "Outstanding Athlete" award. Only one individual is selected each year.

In 2010 Justin's Special Olympics team went Nebraska for the national competition, and the team brought home a silver medal.

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His mother, Julie Bernhardt, said Jessica has been a strong support for Justin, who last year was selected as co-president of Special Olympics Missouri's Youth Activation Committee. Justin is also a Special Olympics Metro Global Messenger, serves on student council at school, and still continues playing sports with SOMO.  

With his sister's support, Justin has gone to different schools to speak on inclusion, the Special Olympics organization, and the R-word Campaign and Project Unify.  

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Jessica, who is a senior, graduates in May and has enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve. Julie said Jessica will leave in August for basic training, which means the family has to prepare.  

"Needless to say it will be a huge adjustment for both of them considering the bond they have," she said of the duo that does a lot of things together. "In February they both participated in the ."

Not only has the family bonded together to ensure both children live fulfilled and happy childhoods, the children pay it forward and try to make their community a better and more open-minded place. This makes Jessica and Justin this week's Whiz Kids.


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