South Jersey fourth-grader shares powerful message through school's morning announcements

Breaking Armed suspect shot during incident involving police at CVS store Autism South Jersey fourth-grader shares powerful message through school's morning announcements Anthony Knauer is showing classmates and teachers that having something to say doesn't require speaking with your voice. WPVI By Christie Ileto Friday, November 6, 2026 11:53PM Share MULLICA HILL, N.J. (WPVI) -- A South Jersey fourth grader with autism is making a big impression at his school, showing classmates and teachers that having something to say doesn't require speaking with your voice. Anthony Knauer, a nonverbal student at Pleasant Valley School in Mullica Hill, recently delivered a special message over the school's morning announcement system using an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. "Hi, my name is Anthony," he said before sharing a message that resonated with those listening. "Even though I don't use my mouth to talk, trust me, I still have so much to say," Anthony communicated through his device. His teachers organized the announcement to highlight his communication skills during AAC Awareness Month. Speech-language pathologist Camille Washko preprogrammed Anthony's device with several screens so he could navigate the message himself. Special education teacher Kristin Heritage said Anthony tapped through the programmed screens to deliver his announcement. Washko said one of the most memorable moments came after the announcement, when Anthony walked back through the school. "That was the coolest part from doing the announcements and the walk back; kids were waving, doors were opening, people were saying hello to him," Washko said. Armed suspect shot during incident involving police at CVS store in Gloucester Township 1 hour ago 3 people found dead inside home in Mount Holly, New Jersey 1 hour ago Foster mother charged in death of 10-year-old Philadelphia girl is a 5th-grade teacher 2 hours ago The announcement also marked the beginning of new milestones for Anthony. In the days that followed, Heritage and Washko noticed him beginning to vocalize words verbally. Washko recalled that Anthony said, "When you see me in the hallway, say hi!" She said he also spoke the message verbally. The moment offered another example of how AAC devices can support, rather than hinder, language development. Washko said the technology promotes language and can lead to unexpected moments of verbalization. "It does promote language, and you see that in students like Anthony where you get those surprise moments of verbalization and it's so cool!" she said. Through his morning announcement, Anthony delivered a message that extended beyond the school intercom: He has plenty to say, and he wants everyone to know it. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics EDUCATION MULLICA TOWNSHIP GLOUCESTER COUNTY NEW JERSEY AUTISM SCHOOL 'DJ Blake' brings the party to special needs community Philadelphia police launch Blue Envelope Program | What to know Penn researchers develop AI tool to help speed autism evaluations Bonus surf day hosted in Atlantic City Watch Live ON NOW Armed suspect shot during incident involving police at CVS store 1 hour ago 3 people found dead inside home in Mount Holly, New Jersey 1 hour ago What we know about the foster mother charged in death of 10-year-old 2 hours ago Parents recall troubling encounters with teacher charged with murder 2 hours ago Foster care oversight questioned after death of Malayshia Allford 2 hours ago AccuWeather: Seasonable, dry, and breezy this weekend 39 minutes ago Man charged with animal cruelty after video shows dog being kicked 33 minutes ago Man arrested for random murder, sexual assault inside salon