Autistic singer Sebastian Franettovich serenades Sarina State High School for the last time
Despite being non-verbal due to severe autism, this Queensland high school student sang the Australian anthem at every assembly. See the video of his last performance before graduation.
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Though largely non-verbal, a high school student loves music and has performed the anthem at Sarina State High School assemblies for years.
Growing up on a Sarina farm with four siblings, Sebastian Franettovich was diagnosed with severe level three autism at two years old.
His final anthem at his high school graduation in November made his mum Anne so proud of the “awesome adult he’s become”.
“Even though he doesn’t speak a lot, he sings beautifully,” Ms Franettovich said.
“He would sing the national anthem every week at parade.
“(And) he sings at the Mackay Eisteddfod every year.
“I think he’s got a musical ear, because he used to be able to listen to the Wiggles and go on the keyboard and just play ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’.”
Sebastian’s obsession with the Wiggles even led to a personal meet and greet to sing with his idols.
“We sat with them and Anthony played the guitar and Sebby sang,” Ms Franettovich said.
“It was amazing.”
The Franettovich’s thought Sebastian’s only option after finishing primary would be the Mackay District Special School more than a 30 minute drive north in Beaconsfield.
But Anne wanted him at Sarina State High, where he received support at the school’s Inclusive Learning Centre.
“I wanted him to attend the same school as his siblings,” Ms Franettovich said.
“(The Inclusive Learning Centre) is an incredible facility.
“They have a vegetable garden out the front (that) the kids all help out with.
“(It has) a classroom on each end and a kitchen in the middle (where) they do cooking together.
“I think it’s amazing.”
Sebastian did woodwork and some mainstream classes, but “also had the specialised support at the Learning Centre as well”.
“They want to have children with disabilities in Sarina attending there (and) they really value every child,” Ms Franettovich said.
“For a parent of a child with a disability, the greatest thing (is) to feel like they really value and love your child.
“Sarina is actually a great place for acceptance.”
Ms Franettovich said Sarina State High’s principal Jane Grieger had “been very supportive”.
“Sebastian has provided students at Sarina State High School the opportunity to understand and embrace diversity and inclusivity,” Ms Grieger said.
“He has been an integral part of our school community, and students and staff have supported Seb to ensure he has access to every opportunity both within our school and beyond.
“Seb will be missed by the entire school community and we look forward to supporting him in his business ventures in the future.”
Sebastian has been transitioning into work at Hello Fern, a Mackay wooden handicraft business.
“We see Sebastian as a gift,” Ms Franettovich said.
“He makes us, and I think the community, better people.”
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