Edison's 'happiest boy in the hallways' receives diploma

BERLIN TWP. — A resounding jolt permeated throughout the Thunderdome.Upon Edison High School's Jeff Goodwin reading out the name "Zachary Taylor Kibler" during Sunday's commencement ceremony in the gymnasium, fellow classmates, friends and family members collectively let out deafening cheers for him.Kibler, who pumped his fist in delight, reveled upon receiving a diploma with the district's other 129 graduates."I am so happy," said Kibler, who goes by Zach to most people. "It was a very happy day."Kibler overcame many obstacles in life to finish high school. He's diagnosed with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder causing developmental and/or intellectual delays.Yet Kibler, who's known as the "happiest boy in the hallways" to many — because he's always shaking hands, giving high-fives and flashing a wide smile at school — never let his condition bother or affect him.He formed many friendships, especially as a team manager for Edison's varsity basketball team. Kibler even suited up for a special game against Clyde this past January taking place at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. He graced the same hardwood floor played on by LeBron James — and he even scored two field goals for his hometown Chargers."Zach has been a member of our team for two seasons now," Edison coach Kyle Hammond said. "Our players, coaches and school love him, and this was a great opportunity to reward him for all of the time he dedicates to our basketball program."Kibler also volunteered his time for many projects, most notably with Key Club, a local service organization, in collecting food and socks for underprivileged community members. And, as an Eagle Scout, he constructed a clothing shed, called Angel's Closet, where lesser-fortunate people can pick out garments for themselves. It's at the Berlin Heights Community Center.Looking forward, Kibler recently landed a job with Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center. His dream job revolves around working in a front office with a professional sports team.This fall, he's enrolled in EHOVE Career Center's Job Connections Program, in which he'll learn about different trades and skills to better prepare him for his desired career."I'm just happy I can do anything I want to do," Kibler said.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Zach Kibler stands outside his Berlin Township home for a picture on Monday, one day after graduating from Edison High School. Kibler, who's diagnosed with Down syndrome, overcame many obstacles to receive his diploma.