By: Ryan Tigro

Perhaps you’ve been Jedi mind tricked by Ben “Kenobi” Simons, a freshman in Phoenixville High School, or have seen him wield his pencil to slay the mightiest of projects. Nothing can stop Ben Simons. Born without a left arm from the elbow down, Ben had to learn to overcome many obstacles at an early age. “Being born with one arm, I just learned to deal with things differently. It became normal and I wasn’t hindered too much,” Ben said of the use of only one arm. Ben also refused to use prosthesis, or artificial limb, when he was young, simply because it got in the way. Ben has never let his disability hinder him in any way. Ben is always an active guy and is currently participating on the school’s track and field distance team. “I also like to play soccer, run, snowboard, water-ski, hang out with friends, and am in the process of learning golf,” Ben said of his very active life-style.

One of Ben’s favorite stories is when he was at an amusement park and just got off a roller coaster. He looked into the long line and saw a bunch of kids and using his classic-happy personality, Ben raised up his one arm and claimed that he had lost it on the ride. Of course the young kids began to get upset, but not only does Ben get a good laugh out of the situation, everyone he tells the story to does as well.

In school Ben’s favorite class is Art and favorite teacher is Ms. Nesta. His favorite food is chocolate and of course his favorite movie is Star Wars with Jedi Knight, Ben “Obi-Wan” Kenobi. A Jedi is connected to the Force or life stream of everything and symbolizes an ideal way of life. Obi-Wan Kenobi is the mentor character of Luke Skywalker and Ben likes him because they share a name, he is from his favorite movie, and because Obi-Wan is one awesome Jedi. “I like Star Wars because of the way Luke overcomes his obstacles, very similar to how I do… with superior use of the Force!” Ben stated about why he enjoys the Star Wars series.

Despite bumps in the road and the obstacles an average teenager faces, Ben “Kenobi” Simons finds a way to rise above the challenges and live a very fun and busy schedule. He is a very open person and is definitely one of the coolest freshmen around. If you should see Ben on your travels in the hallways or Jedi mind tricking the teacher out of a test, tell him, “May the Force be with you.”