In Elyria’s online community, a mother’s heartfelt post has gone viral, not for outrage or controversy, but for her fierce defense of her 17-year-old son, Xander, who found himself at the center of heated discussions surrounding the recent Elyria school levy.
Washington Rae, a proud mother and active community member, took to Elyria’s Front Porch on Facebook to address the negativity her son faced after speaking publicly about the school levy.
Rae wrote,
“I watched my 17-year-old son pour his heart and soul into educating his peers, other adults, strangers, etc. on what this levy meant for Elyria City Schools — the good, the bad, and the ugly,” “He remained respectful, no matter how some of you so-called adults replied to him.”
Washington Rae
She went to express disappointment at how grown adults had responded to her son, treating him with condescension and hostility.
Some told him to “go be a child” or that he “wasn’t old enough to vote,” dismissing his informed opinions about the future of Elyria schools. She wrote,
“He remained respectful, no matter how some of you so-called adults replied to him.” “He remained respectful, no matter how some of you so-called adults replied to him.”
Washington Rae
Rae’s post drew widespread attention and praise from community members who recognized Xander’s character and contributions.
She detailed her son’s impressive achievements, a student who has consistently been on the honor roll, a member of the National Honor Society, JROTC drill, and color guard teams, 4-H participant since childhood, member of the Black Student Union, and coach of a local cheerleading team.
On top of that, Xander works two jobs, volunteers regularly, and attends school board meetings “like they cut him a paycheck,” Rae joked.
Her pride as a mother shone through every line:
“At the end of the day, there’s nothing you can say that will make me not proud to be called his mother,”
Washington Rae
The comment section quickly filled with messages of encouragement and admiration for both mother and son.
Meghan Kistemaker, who said she worked with him during her time as a cheer coach. She wrote,
Xander is AMAZING. I had the privilege of working with him during my time as cheer coach. He is an intelligent, bright young man and the adults commenting negative things could learn a lot from him! You have done a great job, mom!
Meghan Kistemaker
Jeffrey Seats wrote,
WE LOVE XANDER ! You should be more than proud of him!
Jeffrey Seats
Carolyn Tanner, a family friend, offered heartfelt praise:
I know you dont know me but I know your son, and im am SO VERY proud of him! He has a wonderful head on his shoulders and even knows how to have fun (ask him about the dance parties next to my car after football games 🤪)! He has been such a great friend to my niece and my daughter. I was so honored when he called my his 4th mom 🤭
Carolyn Tanner
Even those who disagreed with the levy expressed respect for Xander’s thoughtful participation. Mark Dumonthier commented,
Xander is a great young man. Always enjoy seeing him on stage: singing and acting. It makes me proud to see him in uniform for JROTC. This world need more people like him. I was a no, until seeing his post, but also understand why others couldn’t afford, to vote yes.
Mark Dumonthier
Several community members also lamented the loss of civility in online discussions. Emily Watts noted,
I saw his posts and made sure to tell him he was articulate and intelligent. I’m sorry people are cruel.
Emily Watts
Others emphasized how rare it is to see a young person so engaged in civic life. Alissa Szakacs wrote,
You’ve raised a fine young man! And good for him for advocating for the schools. He sounds more educated than half these nitwits in Elyria (hence why a good education is important). I’m sad the levy didn’t pass, but I also understand the other side of this issue too, no one can afford much of anything right now and that’s just the sad truth. But at the same time, kids deserve to have a really good education. I hope with time, the economy will change for the better.
Alissa Szakacs
Becca Robinson, summed it up perfectly:
You go mom!! You’re obviously doing a great job. And sounds like this young man is a wiser, kinder, more educated adult than a lot of the ppl on this page. Mad respect for you both!
Becca Robinson
