This story had us reaching for the nearest box of tissues this morning…

It’s about a 22-year-old student from Phoenix named Heather Hoffmeister who, in her last year in the school system, finally learned to read — overcoming enormous obstacles, including having been born with Spina Bifida and diagnosed with ADD. She’s now planning to go to community college and wants to work in childcare someday.

Her story came across our desks when we were reading nominations for our READ 180 and System 44 All-Star Awards this year. I’ve spoken to her and her teacher on the phone, and they are an incredible team. Yeesh, I’m getting a little misty-eyed just writing this…

See for yourself: