Student of the week is leading the way at Wilson Elementary School

DRY RUN, Ohio - Haley Thurston is a typical elementary student at Wilson Elementary School, but her ability to overcome adversity make her an outstanding example for her classmates.

"She is just a positive person," said Wilson Elementary School counselor Jean Bode. "She really teaches us a lot."

Thurston, who was born with a birth defect, can't see because she was born without eyes. Although Thurston can't see, she almost always has a smile on her face.

"That's the first impression of [Thurston], but she does such a great job of making people at ease with her and they fall in love with her within minutes of meeting her," Bode said. "Her kindness comes out.  Her accepting of everybody comes out."

Thurston makes good grades and her classmates say they love having her around.  She's always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needs it.

"I think I've shown kindness and that's very important and I love to help people," Thurston said.

Typically one person will nominate a student for the weekly award, but in Thurston's case, her whole sixth grade class sent us reasons why this young girl is deserving of the honor.

"They have learned so much from having [Thurston] in their life.  She perseveres everyday.  She is positive everyday," Bode said. "She's a ray of joy in our school."