Inventor Who Overcame Dyslexia Inspires Students At Jemicy School

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- He struggled with learning how to read for much of his life. Along the way, he also launched a rocket into space.

Alex DeMetrick reports on the life lessons Ky "The Rocketman" Michaelson shared with students with dyslexia.

Every year in Baltimore, engineering meets eccentricity in the Kinetic Sculpture Race.

Jemicy School is getting feedback on machines its building from inventor Ky "The Rocketman" Michaelson.

Like the students, Michaelson has dyslexia, and struggled to learn how to read.

"You want to create your mind to think, think, think, think. That's what it's all about," he said.

Michaelson worked with a civilian team to launch a rocket into space. Before that he was a stuntman and raced cars.

"Bringing a person like Ky that's honest, that put his life out there, gives our young adults inspiration," said Ben Shifrin, head of Jemicy School.

"There were some students that asked questions of me that just blew me away," said Michaelson. "I mean, there are some very intelligent kids in this school."

"Like some reading we struggle with, but we benefit from the artistic side, working with our hands, dealing with people. It's a benefit in my eyes, not a weakness," said Jemicy student Jacob Quartner.

"It's not such a big deal, you know," says Michaelson. "There's so many things out in life you can go after, and you will get it if you work hard enough."

Jemicy School is located in Owings Mills and its 365 students range from 1st to 12th grade.

For more information on the school CLICK HERE.