Baltimore Foundation Helps Students With Learning Differences

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- On the lacrosse field, he's the best. Baltimore's own Paul Rabil is working hard to inspire students with learning differences to work hard and build confidence.

Jessica Kartalija has more.

His passion for lacrosse and first-hand knowledge of learning differences takes Paul Rabil back to school.

"What helped me as a young kid struggling with auditory processing disorder was the athletic outlet, which is where I was able to build confidence," Rabil said.

For three years, the Rabil Foundation has partnered with the Jemicy School in Baltimore County providing the school's equipment, uniforms and scholarships to students with learning differences, participating in sports and co-curricular activities.

"We want to be synonymous with the nationwide foundation that supports education that crosses over into sports," Rabil said.

"For a student like me, it's almost like saying, `Your dreams, you can touch them,'" said Sophie Berger, a Jemicy student.

"He has helped me so much so far with academics and sports and even in the arts," said Jemicy student Christopher Prigg. "It's been great."

Rabil and his family started the foundation in 2010. Their annual holiday magic gala raises money for scholarships.

"I can use him as a specimen for my life because he went through the same things as I did," said Jemicy student Connor Williams.

"It's humbling for me to be a part of this process, to meet so many new kids and see the way the younger generations are growing," Rabil said.

Inspiring greatness on and off the field.

"He's basically saying anyone can do anything once you put your mind to it," Berger said. "Once you start, you can't stop."

This year, there were 12 Rabil schools: six at Jemicy's upper school and six at the middle school. For more information, click here. Click here for more on the gala.