Pioneer Center "princess" excited to travel after graduation

Megan Becker, Chillicothe Gazette
·3 min read

CHILLICOTHE— Graduating Pioneer Center student Averi Runyon, 20, has earned her title "Pioneer Princess" with her dauntless and fun-loving personality.

As a premature baby, Averi caught meningitis and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Her disability hasn't stopped her from living life to the fullest.

Averi's mom, Stephanie Runyon, has been an instructor assistant at the Pioneer Center for 13 years. She said Averi loves anything inappropriate, like laughing at scary movies and listening to "Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen.

"To watch her personality develop through this. The things she finds humor in when I don't. It brings joy that she's always in a good mood," Stephanie said. "She's always mellow and happy-go-lucky."

Teacher Brianna Mark said Averi lights up the classroom with her sense of humor.

"She does laugh at things that we're not really supposed to be laughing at: scary movies or cuss words," Mark said. "She definitely likes listening and watching the other kids... If there's any kind of drama, like in the classroom or the hallway, she's probably gonna laugh."

Mark said she doesn't have many female students, so it's nice to do "girly" things with Averi like painting her fingernails and doing her hair. In true Pioneer Princess fashion, Averi received a "Promposal" and flowers this year prior to the big dance.

Averi always shows off new clothes, including her t-shirt that reads, "Don't be a lady, be a legend," which Stephanie says perfectly represents her daughter's personality.

Stephanie said the Pioneer Center has supported her daughter through the ups and downs, including various hospital visits and her father passing away when she was 9 years old. She said the staff understands how to bond with Averi.

Pioneer student Averi Runyon and physical therapist Sonya Mitchell at the Pioneer Summer Therapy Program on June 20, 2019.
Pioneer student Averi Runyon and physical therapist Sonya Mitchell at the Pioneer Summer Therapy Program on June 20, 2019.

"They get down on her level and get in her face and communicate right with her," Stephanie said. "They make her feel included in everything, even the nonsense the antics, the drama."

One notable staff member Averi has bonded with is her now stepfather. Stephanie jokes that Averi picked him out. Stepdad Phil Ackley has worked at the Pioneer Center for 30 years. Stephanie said Ackley and Averi bonded at the school, which lead to Stephanie developing a relationship with Ackley. The couple has been together for seven years.

"I'm just caring and we got along well. [Averi] liked me," Ackley said. "It's been a long journey for her and a good one."

Stephanie and Averi took their first trip together last year which gave them "the travel bug." They went to Disney World and Averi loved meeting the characters and riding the roller coasters. Stephanie said her daughter had her mouth open and tongue out on every ride and loved to go on the ride a second time.

Stephanie is choosing to leave her job at the Pioneer Center to spend time with Averi and travel together following graduation.

"No matter how hard things get for her, when she bounces back, she's always stronger," Stephanie said.

Averi is graduating from the Pioneer Center on Thursday, May 18.

Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Call her at 740-349-1106, email her at mbecker@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Chillicothe Pioneer Center graduate doesn't let disability stop her