When he was younger, David Tomajan felt uncomfortable being around his oldest brother, Brian, a special-needs person.

“I used to always wonder if people were staring,” Tomajan said.

But as David hung out more with his brother, he developed a tender heart and learned something about himself: He has a passion for working with special-needs people. It’s why his career goal is to become a pediatrician for special-needs children.

And if his accomplishments and success so far are an indicator, it shouldn’t be too long before the Reedley High School senior is addressed as Dr. Tomajan.

“I could spend an entire page listing David’s academic qualifications, awards, achievements, grades,” wrote Tomajan’s teacher and nominator, Brent Sjodin. “David is a student that constantly surprises me at the length of his dedication and depth of his character.”

One of 16 valedictorians at Reedley, David is also a decorated water polo player and swimmer, named varsity captain in both sports. He has excelled in water polo, a sport in which height, and long arms and legs typically offer an advantage. But at 5 feet, 5 inches, David often was one of the smallest players in the pool.

David also is a volunteer Special Olympics coach for swimming, basketball, alpine skiing and track and field. “Being with those kids is so much fun,” he said. “I like that environment a lot. Most kids are scared [of special needs people], but it just comes naturally to me now. It’s rewarding to me.”