Peachtree Corners Lad Taking Life - and the Clemson Tigers - by the Tail

Peachtree Corners resident, Susan Highsmith Graveline, is the founder of Mothers And Daughters Against Cancer (MADAC) and Feel The Love - two outstanding organizations that not only raise money to fight cancer, but also provide support to those facing their own battles with cancer.  A two-time cancer survivor herself, Susan has known David Saville and his family for years and understands, firsthand, what David has faced - and overcome. This is an incredible story, told through the eyes of Susan, a close friend of the family as well as to so many who have had the good fortune to know her.  - Randy Wyles, Patch.com Contributor

On March 20, 1990 the world changed dramatically for Bob and Diane Saville. Just hours after delivering their second son, the doctor spoke these unexpected words, “There is a problem.Your son has Down syndrome.” 

Bob and Diane felt their world spinning out of control. Ever faithful, the young couple turned to God in their hour of need and their answer came in the Bible verse, John 1:3:  “All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” 

They knew without a doubt that the Lord had not made a mistake when He made David with Down syndrome. God had everything under control.  And He had big plans for David.

Fast forward 18 years later to Feb. 8, 2008 when the couple heard these unexpected words, “The 2008 Homecoming King of Norcross High School is  . . . . David Saville!”

In spite of his disability, David Saville has touched the lives of many.

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder which usually causes delays in physical and intellectual development. As a result, individuals with Down syndrome have a lower mental capacity and muscle tone than that of a typical person. 

They also have a higher incidence of congenital  defects. The exact cause and prevention is unknown with the incidence in the United States being one in every 800 – 1,000 live births or approximately 4,000 individuals annually.  

Just days after his birth, doctors told the scared young couple more frightening news; David would need surgery to repair two holes in his heart. Bolstered by their faith and the love of family and friends; Bob and Diane trusted the Lord for the outcome. David had heart surgery at just 11 months of age. It was a success!

They discovered David could benefit from early sensory intervention and stimulation, special education and appropriate medical care and an environment where he was challenged to fully develop.

The Savilles began occupational and physical therapy for David when he was just six weeks old. David’s special needs were addressed with exercises and tasks that strengthened his fine and gross motor skills.  At a very young age, he also began speech therapy to overcome the speech difficulties anticipated with  the disability.

Having a sports minded family, David learned everything from his two brothers, Carson (24) and Brandon (18). From sports to hunting to scouting, David was included in every activity. He was never left out because of his disability. David attacked each new adventure with the enthusiasm of a pure heart.

David’s first foray into sports was playing baseball at Gwinnett’s Cemetery Field. Getting a hit brought players and fans from both teams to their feet as they cheered David running the bases. Soon he took on track and the Special Olympics; loving the crowd’s attention and waving to them as he ran to the finish line. 

At age 10, David started Scouting with his usual excitement and energy. Wanting to follow in the footsteps of his Dad and both of his brothers, David became immersed in Scouting activities and outings.

Merit badges are earned after the scout completes tasks in each area of interest.  Each task must be learned and performed to a point of proficiency as observed and signed off on by the Scout Master. 

From Citizenship to First Aide; from Camping to Cooking; David proudly wears his 31 earned badges on his Scout uniform sash. “David had to master each skill set just like any other scout. From reciting every oath to expertly tying eight difficult knots, David’s devotion to perfection was amazing” said Andy Allison David’s Scout Master. 

His Eagle Scout ceremony became a 300-person event where David delivered an engaging speech, speaking his desire to help others, graduate and have his own business one day. Only 4 percent of all Scouts become an Eagle Scout.

 “The Eagle Scout rank is the highest step in Scout Advancement.  Those who attain this honor, should be real Scouts, representative Scouts – Scouts on the inside as well as on the outside.” Source: Handbook for Boys, 3rd edition, 1927.

The Savilles always believed in normalizing David by providing him with opportunities and adventures that could be afforded without consideration of his limitations. They both have played a key role in David’s development and personality by constantly encouraging him to perform at a higher level.

Attending school in the Norcross Cluster has been another blessing to the Savilles.  From Simpson Elementary to Pinckneyville Middle to Norcross High, teachers and students alike embraced David. He was a conscientious student, struggling to achieve high grades and knowledge within his grasp.   

The world became David’s stage at Norcross High where he has become a star in many of the school’s theatrical productions. NHS Drama Director, Gina Parris, a.k.a. “Pev” was introduced to David at Freshman registration at Norcross High. 

“When I first met David Saville, I was immediately wrapped in his web of desire to experience all that life has to offer. We became very close as I saw something unique and special; these qualities have transformed audiences and he has performed in comedy, drama and musicals. 

"He shines on stage and elevates the performance of those around him. His favorite expression to those who mean the most to him is 'I love you all of the world.'  That says it all.

"David inspires each and every person whose life he touches to be a better person. His abundance of love and calm demeanor is better than anything in the world to help me overcome a bad day. He is my tonic and my joy all in one," beamed Pev.

David has been an inspiration to many as the manager of the championship football teams at NHS. The Norcross coaches and players accepted and respected David as an integral member of the team. 

His ever-present smile and enthusiastic personality have given new meaning to purity of spirit and adventure. He impacted the entire high school with his perseverance and drive; his effect on others is contagious. 

Receiving yet another standing O, David walked proudly across the stage to get his well deserved diploma at the Norcross High School commencement ceremonies. 

 A quick grocery stop at Ingles on Peachtree Parkway would give anyone an emotional pickup upon seeing David’s smiling face as he bagged groceries. Earning his own money and having a job was another example of David’s determination.

After graduation, David applied and was accepted into the highly competitive Clemson LIFE Program at Clemson University, a program designed for students with intellectual disabilities. The program is fully funded by grants and parent tuition.

On August 2, David’s parents took their beloved son to his new home away from home – a mere 2 1/2 hours away yet the step when most parents shed many tears.  Their happiness shown through their tears as David took this huge step in life! 

While at ClemsonLife, David will work along side the Clemson Tiger football players assisting the team with water, uniforms and Tiger Spirit!  A rousing all ORANGE party with over 50 friends and family was the perfect sendoff to this new Clemson Tiger!

From what seemed to be the end of the world, the Saville family and Norcross community have gone to the ends of the earth for this special young man.  Many lives have been inspired and enriched by the blessing of David. Society must forge new attitudes so that people with Down syndrome will be accepted for what they are – people first, people with Down syndrome second.

Never shy, David most likely will wave to the crowd from the field at Death Valley when the Clemson Tigers play - his proud family, friends and Peachtree Corners and Norcross communities will be cheering him all of the way.