Brooklyn Wolthoff: From First Grade Retention to National Heart of the Arts Award 2026

Brooklyn Wolthoff never let any diagnosis or medical record define her life. In first grade, she was retained due to dyslexia. No matter how hard she tried, words just could not make sense in her mind. This neurodevelopmental difference called dyslexia made her childhood full of frustration. But this was just the beginning of her story. Diagnosis was not the end, but the starting point of her determination. Despite dyslexia making her academics challenging, Brooklyn achieved remarkable results through perseverance and courage: a 3.9 GPA, academic honors, and National Honor Society membership. She said: Even with the diagnosis, I never gave up. Her story caught the attention of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and in 2026, she was awarded the National High School Heart of the Arts Award. However, fate seemed to test this young girls resilience. In eighth grade, she was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Running became impossible. But Brooklyn did not abandon her love for sports; instead, she turned her attention to speech and choir. She became a cross-country runner and dancer, expressing herself through movement and art. The following summer brought an even bigger challenge. Brooklyn lost stomach motility, requiring a feeding tube and stomach port for nutrition. Then, in junior year of high school, she experienced seizures and was diagnosed with Neurological Functioning Disorder - a condition that took away her ability to walk and dance. When she could no longer participate in certain speech competitions, Brooklyn chose another way to be involved - she coached the student who replaced her. When self-pity would have been a normal response, she chose purpose - writing speeches about dyslexia and life in a wheelchair. When giving up would have been easier, Brooklyn underwent 8 hours of physical and occupational therapy daily, working to regain the ability to walk using crutches or a walker. In junior year, Brooklyn received one of the highest honors in Iowa speech at the Individual Speech All-State Festival - performing an original oratory titled On Wednesdays I Will Dance. She said: I firmly believe that dancing may look different now than before, but I will still dance - whether from a wheelchair or with crutches. I am determined to live fully and joyfully, no matter what obstacles are on my path. At Riceville Community High School, Brooklyn was known as the heart of the speech team. She was also a choir participant, all-conference choir member, consistent state speech contest qualifier, and leader through the Leader In Me program and schools LightHouse team. She was a member of Homecoming Court and mentored elementary students as a Big Sister. She assisted with local blood drives, helped plan community fundraisers, and made tie blankets for families at Ronald McDonald House through the Knot Alone project. NFHS Executive Director Rob Castania said: Brooklyn Wolthoffs story embodies the true Heart of the Arts - showing what is possible with a strong heart, positive attitude, and unbreakable spirit. Today, Brooklyn is inspiring countless young readers facing similar challenges. Dyslexia taught me resilience, and resilience taught me how to fly. Source: NFHS Official Website (https://www.nfhs.org/stories/iowa-s-brooklyn-wolthoff-selected-as-2026-national-high-school-heart-of-the-arts-award-recipient)