East Rockaway boy ‘broke down every barrier’ standing in his way
Joe Petraro graduated from high school in the beginning of June, just like many of his East Rockaway neighbors. However, unlike most of them, Petraro became a graduate at age 11.
Annie Petraro, Joe’s mom, noticed that her son, who was learning at a much faster rate than his peers, did not fit the mold of the public school system. She enrolled Joe in the Holy Name of Mary Catholic School, K12 International Academy and Penn Foster High School, where he rapidly progressed through each grade. After he graduated, Joe enrolled in Louisiana State University’s online program, where he will study sports leadership.
Joe said it felt good to graduate so young. He noted that his focus had shifted to LSU, where he is enrolled in a summer class. He will continue his online studies in the fall, and must visit the Baton Rouge campus twice a semester.
Annie said she never would have expected her son to graduate from high school at this age. She explained that Joe has Tourette’s, and her experience with the public school system is that they put kids like him in a box. Joe was in special education in second grade, and Annie said she was confused by that, because of his high intellect.
“He had switched to a Catholic school, and his teacher was like, ‘He’s a genius,’” Annie said. “Even when he was younger, he would be placed in reading extra help and I was like he just wrote a book so that’s weird that he’s in reading extra help.”
Annie said that if it were not for Joe’s third grade teacher pointing out Joe’s intelligence, Joe would probably have still been in special education. She said that although Tourette’s is considered a disability, it is only a disability because of the way society puts up barriers.
“He broke down every barrier and was like ‘no, I am smart’,” Annie said. “So once that teacher noticed that, and he had an IQ score of 168, he went to a school that had a more challenging curriculum.”
Annie said Joe flew through middle school and high school in two and a half years. She would regularly meet with the school’s advisers, asking them if this is okay and they responded, “it’s totally fine. He’s different.”
Joe is not a stranger to breaking down barriers, as he spends his free time doing philanthropic work, publishing books, volunteering, and more. In May, Joe was honored by The Award Group, who wanted to honor someone that was very active within the community.
“Honored and humbled to be the inaugural recipient of The A-List Award from The Award Group, with a rich history dating back to George Washington’s inauguration,” Joe stated on his Instagram page. “Recognized for my work in promoting kindness, compassion, and mental health awareness. It’s a true privilege to be recognized for making a positive impact in the world.”
As someone who has gone through the first 11 years of his life faster than any ordinary kid would, Annie emphasized that Joe does not get burnt out. She said people say he is missing out on prom and other social events, but he is not.
“Joe is obsessed with the boy scouts, school, and camping,” Annie said. “He has so many positive friends. He’s in a dance group and he met his people.”
Annie said that Joe, who has been bullied when he was younger, does not want to “fit in” to the societal norms, as he already found a place where he belongs.
“He just went to Centre Avenue the other day and did an inclusion event, where people switch their lunch table to get to know other people because that’s the way to combat bullying,” Annie said.
Annie pointed out that Vincent Healy, executive director of Pupil Personnel Services and Instructional Personnel at East Rockaway School District always includes Joe in school programs. She said Healy allows Joe to participate in fundraisers.
“So, despite a different path, he’s very much part of the community,” Annie said.
Even if Joe is not participating in school dances or other events that kids his age are involved in, Joe still makes time to be a kid. Annie noted that just the other day, Joe was in the pool, splashing around with his friend.
“He’s a typical kid, but with an old soul,” Annie said.
Along with studying sports leadership at LSU, Joe indicated that he would also like to study journalism. Back at home, Joe will continue to spend a lot of his time with East Rockaway Boy Scouts troop 121.
