Lee, 26, suffers from cerebral palsy and has no speech, but has overcome this obstacle to become an online journalist for Sunderland City Council.
Today he nominated his former English teacher, Jon Podhajecki, who he says helped him to achieve his goal, for a Pride in Wearside award.
The former Barbara Priestman pupil explained: “Jon’s encouragement to his pupils was second to none. He believed that everyone was capable of the very best and he would help them achieve that, whatever it took.
“He had a real ability in spotting the talent in a person and getting it out of them.”
Although Lee communicates via a machine, similar to the one used by Stephen Hawking, Jon spotted his talent for writing and encouraged the youngster to pursue it as a a career.
His persistence paid off and Lee went on to achieve three As at A-level and an undergraduate and Masters degree in online journalism at the University of Central Lancashire.
He struggled to find employment after graduating, but was taken on by the council in January to research, write and edit articles for its website.
Lee, who lives in Newcastle, added: “Jon has always shown blind faith in me. That is what has driven me on.
“Even when I struggled to find employment and I felt like giving up, I just had to think of him and the effort that he had put into me and everyone else and the belief in myself would return.
“When I was down, he picked me up. There is no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”
He added: “It was him who developed my writing skills. It was him who would give me help and advice when I needed it.
“And it was him who I could turn to when something was up. He was more than a teacher, he was a true friend.”
Jon, 59, is now retired, but still has fond memories of teaching Lee for seven years.
The dad-of-one from Washington, who has remained in contact with Lee, said: “I am shocked and very humbled by Lee’s nomination. It is one of the pleasures of my
life to know him.
“He has an amazing command for words and I am unbelievably proud of what he has achieved.
“A lot of young disabled people have to fight to overcome poor self-image and there is no greater reward for a teacher than seeing your pupils succeed.”
Lee has nominated Jon for a Teacher of the Year award in this year’s Pride of Wearside, but there are also nine other categories.
They are: child of courage, safer community, neighbour of the year, rescuers/lifesavers, sporting achievement, role model, fund-raiser of the year, student of the year, and parent/guardian of the year.
A joint Echo and gentoo group campaign, the awards are aimed at recognising ordinary people who achieve extraordinary feats, and we need YOUR help to uncover even more of these unsung heroes.
Those shortlisted will be rewarded at a glittering awards ceremony at the Stadium of Light on November 14.
Article from the Sunderland Echo
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