At Fallston High School, there are various special education programs in place that cater to students’ particular needs. One of these programs is the STRIVE program. In STRIVE, students learn general life skills in a modified classroom. These classrooms are in the STRIVE suite by the language cluster. Currently, there are eight students enrolled in this program. Since they’re usually in or around the STRIVE suite, many don’t get the opportunity to see or meet these students. So, in this article we’ll be introducing each student and telling a little bit about them.
Benny Rivera
Benny Rivera is a very sociable person. He loves to talk to peers and will tell you all about various movies he’s seen, or the current game he enjoys playing. Benny is hilarious and will make jokes about the LEGO Jurassic game, and sometimes even talk to you about his family. Benny also absolutely loves Fallston’s mascot, Gar, stating, “I like Gar the cougar…he has a cute costume.” He will frequently stop in the hallway to talk to Gar or pose for a picture. If you see him in the halls, feel free to walk up to him and say hi. It doesn’t take a long conversation to get to know Benny because he will be sure to tell you all about himself.
Jewell Staples
Jewell Staples is very friendly, and according to Mrs. MT Delaney, she “enjoys friends, peers, and walking around with people” in between classes or at Best Buddies and Sports for Life events. Jewell is very honest and is willing to answer most questions you ask her. According to Jewell, she loves to play fetch with her dog, Tutu, in her backyard. She also enjoys “watching Cocomelon on YouTube.” Jewell appreciates pretty nails, drawing, and playing on her Nintendo or computer. She is very smart so she’s more out and about during the school day since she takes life skills classes and will gladly say hi if you approach her.
Imran Wada
Imran Wada is STRIVE’s gentle giant. He is very sweet and works hard in all his classes. “He loves to be with people or to play next to them,” says Mrs. MT Delaney. “He loves putty and just touching things in general.” Imran thoroughly enjoys social events and especially loves to be with friends and peers in social settings. Imran is nonverbal, and also uses an ACC device to communicate, but sometimes, on special occasions, he will say goodbye to people when leaving.
Aayan Desai
Aayan Desai is one of STRIVE’s happiest members. One of STRIVE’s paraeducators, Ms. Cindy Edmonds-Hutton says he “always has a smile on his face.” Aayan loves talking to others, and will usually say his iconic line, “What is it?” Aayan uses this one question to ask several different things such as what day it is, what your name is, or what somebody else’s name is. Aayan loves to play basketball and will sometimes play with Imran or Langston. He’s also very good at art and will often be seen drawing, singing, or humming.
Aedan Sather
Aedan Sather is in his 5th year at Fallston High School and will be moving on after this year. Aedan has excellent vocal and reading skills, and he enjoys playing basketball or hockey. At lunch, Aedan has strong opinions on the best entrée, his favorites being pizza and stuffed crust dippers. Aedan enjoys talking to people, and he will gladly have a conversation with you if you approach him in the halls.
Calvin Strohm
Calvin Strohm is one of the most curious members of STRIVE. He loves to touch all sorts of textures, smell things, or investigate various classrooms all over the building. Calvin will even come up to you and smell you if he feels particularly curious. However, amongst Calvin’s exploration, one of his favorite things he has discovered is markers – although he especially likes it if the marker is any shade of blue. Calvin loves to draw on things with his markers, make art with them, or just carry them around because they’re his favorite. According to MT, he also enjoys many “different sounds” and “you’ll see him knocking on things.” Calvin will also squeal or use his AAC device to communicate since he’s non-verbal.
Langston Pannell
Langston Pannell is one of the more musical members of STRIVE. Langston is a member of FHS percussion, and he frequently attends class to play with the other percussionists. He will also sometimes play alongside marching band during field trips or football games. Although Langston does love playing in percussion, he also enjoys basketball, and any kind of electronic gadget. Langston has been known to explore electronics, but in the form of unplugging them. He also enjoys spending time with friends and will talk to you if you come up to him and say hi.
Khloe Sewell
Khloe Sewell is the “It Girl” of STRIVE. She is very fashionable and according to Ms. Mary, “knows what she doesn’t like.” Khloe has a vast shoe collection, so if you see her in the halls, take a look at her shoes; she wears a different pair nearly every day. Khloe is nonverbal, but she will use hand gestures, body language, or her ACC device to communicate. Khloe loves to hold hands or play with Pop Its, and if you do see her, she will likely be holding one of these things.
