Q&A: John Archer graduate overcomes significant health challenges on high school journey
Jun. 7—The path to success wasn't always smooth for Kameron Christ and other students who who attended John Archer School, but he and other graduating seniors reached their destination last Friday at their school's commencement ceremony.
John Archer School is the only public special education school serving students with disabilities in Harford County. There were six in-person graduates and one in memoriam.
Christ, of Jarrettsville a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy, shared his experience at John Archer through his mother, Kim.
Q: What were some challenges as Kameron headed towards graduation?
A: Our greatest challenge has been to explain to Kameron that his time at John Archer is coming to an end. To the typical student, graduation is the goal. For Kameron, going to school is like visiting family.
The "family" there challenges him, allows him new experiences, rejoices in his accomplishments and values him just as he is. They love him; he loves them.
Q: How was Kameron's experience at John Archer?
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A: Kameron's experience was a time of challenge and accomplishment. He had physical pain and stressing over his health over the years. He had surgeries, medication changes and multiple specialists. The school adapted seating, learning materials and schedules to accommodate his needs.
For a while, he only had the endurance to attend a few hours a day; the school made it work. Kameron's endurance grew. Now, he greets new experiences and challenges with excitement.
He loves to cheer everyone's accomplishments, one of his best skills.
Q: Who helped Kameron the most during this journey and how?
There is no one person that impacted his experience at John Archer. The whole school works as a team. Administration, led by Randy Geyer, set the course. His classroom team — Sandy Finley, Alice Hackford and Lydia Raab — knew how to accommodate Kameron's special needs.
In every class, whether art, music, shop, home or physical education, he was set for success. Kameron participated in a program, Sports for Life, that had county-wide tournaments and celebrations. He performed in school dramas and chorus. Every staff involved helped him feel vital to the program.
Q: What was Kameron's motivation to finish school?
A: The motivation to finish was simply to meet the next challenge. Find the best possible road to achievement and take it step by step.
Q: What's next for Kameron?
A: The next step is to continue the growth by accepting the next challenge and finding the steps to achievement. He thrives meeting people and being part of the group. We are fortunate to live in a community that extends acceptance to him and his many special needs peers.
