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Anton Jones, a sophomore at Hazelwood East High School, is a young man of few words when it comes to his favorite sport.

“It’s good” is what he said about why he likes basketball, but he also likes basketball because he has a lot of friends on his team.

In July, Jones, who is autistic, is going to Lincoln, Neb., for the Special Olympics National Games as a member of Team Missouri. He had a little more to say about the upcoming experience. “I’m excited about Nebraska because I want to win the game,” Jones said with enthusiasm.

His mother, Christie Mitchum, said he has been playing basketball since he was nine years old.

“For years, Anton’s team has had the same players, for the most part. They play well together. There is a variety of needed skills that each player possesses on his team. They are a good group of kids who have shown good sportsmanship with each other and the opposition,” said Mitchum.

She also spoke of the impact that Special Olympics has had on her son.

“Outside of sports, Special Olympics has affected his communication and social skills in a positive way. His personality has changed dramatically over the years, he’s friendly and is not afraid to talk to people or give them a hug,” said Mitchum.

At school, Jones has a few favorite classes, such as science, modern media and gym. He likes to read Greek mythology when he goes to the library, and he’s taking drama as an elective.

“He has a great speaking voice,” said his teacher Ann Wilkins of Special School District. “He has fabulous reading skills and a strong voice, so he’s often our narrator during performances.” She said he will “read anything you put in front of him and he has an amazing memory.”

Wilkins started working with Jones as a freshman. She describes his character as always positive and ready with a smile. “He works well with his peers and especially enjoys talking to teachers and staff. Many staff will say that Anton makes them smile, which is something that is always appreciated with our hectic jobs. He has that kind of effect on people. He has really grown over the last two years and is willing to try and learn different things,” she said.

“Anton does a great job of keeping everyone on track, including myself. He is forever reminding us about events at school, upcoming holidays, etc. He has a very business-like approach to work and he will often redirect us if we get distracted or move to another subject during a lesson. He’ll say ‘OK, enough, time to get back to work now,’” said Wilkins.

His involvement in the classroom and sports “shows him as a teenager and a student,” said Wilkins. “He has things he’s good at, he has interests, extracurricular things he does, so he’s not just someone who is autistic. Autism looks different in each individual,” she said.

Recently, a trivia night fundraiser was held at the Knights of Columbus to raise money for Team Missouri. Wilkins and other staff members from Hazelwood East High participated to support Jones.

“He seemed to have a great time and was very happy about all of the people who were there to support him,” said Wilkins.  (story courtesy of Hazelwood Communications Dept.)

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