Josh Rhodes sets himself apart
Thirteen-year-old Josh Rhodes is fond of even numbers, dislikes fat on his food – except for bacon fat – and is currently building a snow fort in his back yard.
He comes across as a typical teenage boy who loves astronomy, art, and Dungeons & Dragons role-playing games. However, there is more to Josh than what may initially meet the eye.
During the past year, he has volunteered at the St. Thomas Church soup kitchen, helped with children at a day care, and visited elderly residents at Beehive Homes in Coeur d’Alene.
“I learned to be thankful for what you have because most people don’t have it,” he said. “It felt good (visiting the elderly), but I also did it because I wanted them to not have to sit around all day.”
Josh participates in karate twice a week at Light and Life Christian Fellowship, and recently made it to the finals in a local karate competition. Currently a white belt, his goal is to advance to the next level.
“There are many different colors for belts – white is the first, and yellow is the second. My goal right now is to try to get to yellow, and after that, orange, blue, green, brown, and then black,” he said. “Karate is a good way to calm yourself down.”
Josh is overcoming personal challenges, which makes his ability to focus on his karate even more impressive, according to his mother, Dani St. Onge. In a family of 12 children, each with his own unique qualities and challenges, Josh manages to stand out.
“I try to encourage all of my kids to be individuals, to be themselves, and Josh is Josh,” said St. Onge. “He loves to look at the stars, he loves karate, and he’s a class clown all at the same time. You can’t help but love him.”
Woodland Middle School art teacher Sheri Gittel met Josh last year, and fondly remembers when she had her class choose partners and draw portraits of each other, she immediately picked Josh.
“I just love the portrait that Josh drew of me. I laminated it,” Gittel said. “Josh is such a nice young man. He is so polite, especially to adults. I’ve never seen him rude, which can be, at times, uncharacteristic for some kids his age.”
Gittel admits that she seeks out and nurtures kids like Josh, since being an individual can be tough, especially as a teenager. She also nurtures his art skills, which she described as “emerging,” adding that as long as he stays focused, he will continue to improve.
At the moment, Josh is putting some of his art skills on display by designing and painting a window scene in the office of Alliance Family Services, which provides behavioral rehabilitation and consulting services.
“It’s a fun project,” said Josh. “Some people say I’m good at art, but I think I could do better.”
One of his goals for the year is to pass all of his classes in school, especially math and science. One day he hopes to go to college and possibly become a pediatrician.
“Josh is a great kid. I think he underestimates himself,” said Erika Fellows, behavioral consultant for AFS. “He’s a great contribution to what goes on in the community.”
“I really enjoy Josh,” said Gittel. “He doesn’t have to do anything to fit in – he is who he is. I think that is what sets him apart.”