DULUTH, GA -- "He's smart. He's funny. He's artistic. He's just cool."

Mike Parnes watches as his 7-year-old son Zion entertains himself on the playground. Zion is a talkative, smiling boy who has pretty amazing taste in music.

"Golden Lady, The Beatles, The Who." Those are pretty mature choices, almost fitting for this boy who has had to grow up too fast.

"About a year and a half ago he was diagnosed with a kidney condition called Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, so we call it FSGS." Mother Alisan Parnes explained that FSGS attacks the kidneys, causing scarring. In Zion's case, medical treatment didn't work.

"He didn't respond to any treatment and had horrible side effects and within five months went into complete kidney failure

In January his kidneys were removed. Inside his typical little boy room, dialysis equipment that helps him get through life without kidneys.

ATLANTA - Rachel Willis, a third-grade teacher at Morningside Elementary School is among 53 teachers in the United States who were honored with the 2010-2011 Milken Educator Award.

At Morningside Elementary, Willis has overseen "first rate improvements in student achievement" by using out-of-the-box teaching methods and engaging her students in virtual learning, such as virtual field trips.

Also, last year "100 percent of her students met or exceeded grade-level standards for reading, English and math".

In addition to the award, Willis awarded $25,000.

This award is hailed as the "Oscars of Teaching" by the Teacher Magazine and was erected in 1987 by education reform leader, Lowell Milken.

The awards ceremony was held April 9 at the 2011 Milken Educator Forum which was held at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel in Santa Monica, California.