New Jersey student with dyslexia successfully lobbies for legislation

Samantha Ravelli, of Ocean City, talks with state Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland at the Statehouse in Trenton on Thursday.

Samantha Ravelli -- a New Jersey seventh-grader who is dyslexic -- successfully lobbied New Jersey legislators to form a statewide Reading Disabilities Task Force. Ravelli and her mother began a campaign four years ago for more programs to help struggling readers. "Ordinary people can become extraordinary through their advocacy and what they fight for," state Sen. Jeff Van Drew said. "Samantha's work with her mother has advocated throughout New Jersey. She has achieved greatness." The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.)