JOHNSON - When Dani Niss's husband Bryce passed away in Nov. 2020, she didn't know where she and her autistic son, Weston, would turn.

Ultimately, she made the decision to move to Johnson to be closer to family and it ended up being a rewarding experience for her, but a life-changing one for Weston. 

Niss enrolled her son at Johnson-Brock Public Schools and was immediately comforted by the support and care the teachers showed Weston. She also appreciated how respectful they were of the families current situation.

The home feel of Johnson-Brock is why Niss acted as the "ring leader" to nominate Weston's teachers for the Friend of Autism Team Award. 

The award is handed out annually by the Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network to the school that shows proper commitment, vision, inspiration and innovation when it comes to the development of their students. 

And Niss's plea to have Johnson-Brock teachers be nominated for the award paid off Tuesday morning, when they were presented as the winners of the award. 

Niss went in to further detail about why she felt the school deserved the honor with an address to the crowd. 

Niss: "From day one [the faculty] were committed to helping Weston and giving him the support he needed to thrive. The team has made the adjustments, accommodations and modifications to support Weston."

Niss: "[The teachers] have helped be a catalyst, I guess, to supporting his acceptance into the community and in the school with his peers."

Dani and Weston Niss pose for a picture at Johnson-Brock Public Schools
Dani and Weston Niss pose for a picture at Johnson-Brock Public Schools  

Weston is still battling everyday to come to grips with the loss of his father. Niss said that Bryce had an unspoken language with Weston that helped them become so close. 

She added that the he is still trying to find his "new normal", but the school has assisted him tremendously in that endeavor. 

Niss: "Here [teachers] have been very supportive and accepting of that, and reaching out on how they can support Weston in his grief journey as well."

Niss typically is referred to around town as "Weston's mom" instead of her first name, which she doesn't mind because she is hopeful that events like the one held Tuesday can continue to bring awareness to Autism. 

Niss: "Hopefully we can make an impact in raising Autism awareness and acceptance, ultimately."

The 11-year-old Weston is right where he is supposed to be according to Niss, and she finished her address to the crowd by thanking his teaching team.

Niss: "As his parent, I've felt involved at every step of the journey and am thankful for their selfless, tireless work to help Weston achieve milestones that I never knew were possible."