Interestingly enough, Eli was
actually LATE to speak as a
baby. Diagnosed with Speech
Apraxia, it wasn't until Eli was
2 and a half before he was
speaking in full sentences thanks
to his drive (even back then!)
to communicate AND speech
therapy. The little boy who was
very vocal in expressing what
he wanted through means other
than speech, finally started
to talk with a vocabulary way
beyond his age…and never
stopped!
Fast forward to Spring of
2020, when faced with a lot
of spare time, Eli started
reading and listening to news
on sports…and learned about
the rest of the world out
there too! When the Chicago
Teachers Union fought the
return to school in fall (2020)
and then again in winter of
2021, Eli reached out to some
of the local news affiliates and
spoke live on his opinions and
unhappiness to NBC News
Chicago (WMAQ-TV) along
with a live press conference.
Thankfully, the summer of 2021 had allowed
us to 'get out of our shell.' Eli has participated
in a number of college football camps, all
of which were cancelled last year at Notre
Dame University, University of Wisconsin and
Purdue University. He is also vying for the
role of quarterback of the Freshman team at
Notre Dame College Prep where he looks
forward to attending (in person!) in the fall.
But even the return of 'normal life' hasn't
dampened Eli's desire to have his voice and
opinions heard! He participates in a Sports
Broadcasting Camp (which can be found all
through the country) and continues to 'pitch
stories' to journalists hoping that they enjoy
his views as much as we do! "What started
out as an activity to keep me engaged, is now
something that I love to do…and hope to do
more and more as I get older," says Eli. "Kids
have some of the most unique opinions out
there…for those who are willing to listen!"
Eli's advice to kids who want to become broadcast journalists:
"My best advice is for kids to give it all they got
and to make sure to not be worried when doing
public speaking. You have to be comfortable when
speaking to people because that is how you reach
out to individuals in any capacity."
www.officialKidsMag.com • august 2021 • 39
Name: Kids Mag
4 x 3"
Customer Name: SHILOH MUSEUM
Ad Number: 072521NWR0051
jcostello@springdalear.gov
http://www.shilohmuseum.org/
479-750-8165
2021.
