23-05-2025
Local eighth grader graduates from Easterseals Learning Academy
GERMANTOWN HILLS, Ill. (WMBD) — One local eighth grader got a well-earned celebration on Thursday.
Through Easterseals Learning Academy in Germantown Hills, Charlie Jane Vining, who goes by Janie, graduated from eighth grade, marking a significant milestone in her life.
'They have one, made her life easier,' said Joanna Vining, Janie's mom, talking about Easterseals. 'She is able to cope and hit milestones that we didn't ever think she would ever be able to.'
Janie was diagnosed with high-sensory and non-verbal autism at the age of two. She's a creative girl who loves art, especially coloring.
'Her heart is coloring,' Joanna said. 'She loves to color, she loves makeup, and of course, she loves pink.'
Because of Janie's love of the color pink, her whole graduation's theme from the punch to the cupcakes was all pink.
Janie's brother Aiden said his sister is always upbeat and carrying a tune. He talked about his favorite thing about his sister.
'Singing in the house,' Aiden said, 'I love how she's always singing, smiling, playing her games, and she's always just there. It's awesome.'
Niccole Maloney has been teaching Janie for close to five years now, and has seen her growth firsthand.
'When I first started with her, she would speak in a few words, and now she's speaking with complete sentences,' Maloney said. 'She is able to express her emotions and how she feels. We've just seen a huge growth in her communication.'
With Janie's creativity, Maloney hopes she sticks with it.
'I think Janie's a fantastic artist, so I would love to see her just keep developing her art, keep developing her fashion,' she said.
For everyone who has supported her this far, Janie had one message:
'I love you all.'
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