AHS Student Receives Distinguished Honor
Posted on 10/23/2023
The concept of individuality is occasionally associated with feelings of discomfort and shame. However, Alexander High School’s Christopher Morgan embraces a different perspective as he acknowledges his distinct characteristics with strength and pride. In fact, the sophomore’s recent recognition is evident of his resilience and determination to always strive for more, despite the obstacles he may endure. The exceptional student is one of 69 selected by State Superintendent Richard Woods to represent his peers on the 2023-2024 Student Advisory Council, and Morgan is truly grateful for the notable honor. “It is an honor to have been selected to be a part of the Student Advisory Council, but it feels even better, considering that oftentimes, people will automatically discount me because of my blindness,” said Morgan. “They fail to realize that I am the same as everyone else, the only difference is I can't see,” he added. Morgan expressed heartfelt appreciation for being chosen from among 1700 other applicants to serve on the Advisory Council as a blind student.
These remarkable students will have the opportunity to meet with Superintendent Woods throughout the school year, providing invaluable feedback on the impact of state policies in the classroom. Additionally, Student Advisory Council Members will discuss other issues surrounding education, serve as the Superintendent’s ambassadors to their respective schools, and participate in service projects to benefit schools and students.
Students in grades 10-12 who attend a Georgia public high school are welcome to apply for consideration of the Student Advisory Council, which includes at least four students from every Educational Service area in Georgia. The application includes short essay prompts that allow students to share their ideas about public education.
Principal of Alexander High School, Lora McAdams, expressed excitement about Morgan’s impressive milestones as a Cougar. "Christopher is an exceptional student in so many ways. He is not only amazing in the classroom, earning the honor of Top 10 for his class, but he is a vital part of our school culture,” she said. According to McAdams, Morgan’s welcoming spirit lights up the hallways and ignites the student section at sporting events. Furthermore, he sets the Cougar standard with his patience, consideration, and infectious personality. Morgan feels his blindness has given him the opportunity to share a different perspective as a student achieving academic success and thriving outside of the traditional education process.
The high school scholar continues to make his mark and exceed expectations. Most recently, Morgan was inducted into the National Honor Society, Beta Club and recognized as a Superintendent’s Scholar. He also entered into the Georgia Council of the Blind Creative Writing Contest under the direction of his Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Ms. Sadisha Clarke. His powerful story about the role of Braille in his life won the contest in the student category, and Morgan is now anticipated to recite his poem at the the GCB Conference and Convention in November. Additionally, the article will be represented in the GCB Digest. Other accolades for Morgan include earning first place in the National Braille Competition among the top 10 students in his age group, and being voted on the 2022 US National High School Boys All-American Team Honors for his dominance in a blind Paralympic sport called GoalBall.
“I will bring the perspective of someone who has special needs and sometimes struggles with things in school, especially socially,” Morgan said. He emphasized how special needs children struggle to make friends and be included. His goal is to advocate for more awareness and acceptance of all kids with special needs, with a special emphasis on social inclusion so that every student can have an overall positive experience at school.
“While we know we are teaching Christopher many things here at AHS, there is so much more that Cougar Nation is learning from him,” McAdams said. Morgan’s mom credits the love and energy from his entire village, including his braille transcriptionist and teachers for his ongoing achievements.