Knights of Columbus Give Teen With Rare Disorder New Tools

When traditional classroom methods didn't work for Kellen Vossler, his Nebraska high school found a way to help him bloom anyway.

Kellen, 16, has Coffin-Lowry Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes cognitive and physical disabilities. Diagnosed at age 2, he needs different tools to learn than most students at Exeter-Milligan-Friend High School.

The school didn't give up on keeping Kellen in regular classes with his peers. Instead, they created a program that combines classroom time with hands-on agriculture work in the school greenhouse, where Kellen can pursue his love of plants and flowers.

"Kellen thrives in learning by doing," said Amy Kohtz, the school's FFA co-adviser and agriculture teacher. "When we have his hydroponic units running in the classroom, it is the first thing he checks when he walks into the classroom."

Kellen took a floriculture class this year where he pressed flowers, designed Valentine's Day arrangements, and even created Disney-themed funeral pieces. He also raises market hogs in summer for the Saline County Fair.

The local Knights of Columbus Council noticed Kellen's success and wanted to help it continue. The Catholic fraternal organization has supported people with intellectual disabilities for more than 50 years through their annual Tootsie Roll fundraising drive.

The group recently donated equipment to the school's special needs program and bought Kellen a hydroponic growing system for his home. Now he can grow spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard, and micro tomatoes year-round for his family.

Kellen has even started selling some of his plants locally and opened a bank account to make deposits from his sales.

Why This Inspires

This story shows what's possible when schools embrace different learning styles instead of forcing every student into the same mold. By letting Kellen work with his hands and pursue his genuine interests, EMF High School helped him develop real-world skills while staying connected to his classmates.

The Knights of Columbus partnership adds another layer of hope. Their donation means Kellen's learning doesn't stop when school lets out, and it signals to other families facing similar challenges that creative solutions and community support exist.

Brandon and Kate Vossler's son is gaining independence, building confidence, and contributing to his community in meaningful ways.