On Tuesday, December 6, Vermont educator Sam Drazin will lead two engaging speaking engagements at Kent School in Chestertown. Mr. Drazin will address Kent School’s Middle School students in an assembly at 1:30 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. parents and the community-at-large are invited to hear Mr. Drazin speak. Admission is free and pre-registration is required.
Fifth Grade student Eddie Gillespie reads Wonder during DEARS (Drop Everything and Read Silently)
Drazin was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome. Treacher Collins is a rare congenital disorder resulting in both facial anomaly and hearing loss. Drazin’s visit to Kent School coincides with the Middle School students’ (Grades 5-8) completion of their all-school read, Wonder by R.J. Palacio. In the novel Wonder, the main character, Auggie has Treacher Collins syndrome. The story follows his transition from the comfort of being home-schooled into a mainstream middle school. Sam Drazin and the character Auggie share many of the same struggles and triumphs as both endured several surgeries and progressive hearing loss.
In addition to his background as an educator, Mr. Drazin is the founder and Executive Director of Changing Perspectives. Changing Perspectives is dedicated to improving disability awareness and to inspiring empathy. According to their website, “Changing Perspectives Inc. was started to provide schools with a framework for improving disability awareness and is based on an understanding of the natural curiosity of children. The ultimate goal is to help everyone recognize their own challenges and to help promote understanding, respect, and acceptance of all people.”
Nancy Mugele, Head of School at Kent School said, “It is an honor to have Sam Drazin visit Kent School. His journey and his message are an inspiration to our entire school community. Kent School is deeply committed to helping our students develop excellent moral character as well as to helping them achieve academic success. Sam’s visit supports both of these goals by helping our students find greater meaning and empathy from their reading of Wonder.” Mugele continued, “This is event is made possible by Kent School’s KudnerLeyon Memorial Fund. This endowed fund enables The KudnerLeyon Visiting Writers Program and other events that support our students’ love of writing, books and literature.”
For more information about Kent School or to register to attend for Mr. Drazin’s speaking engagement visit www.kentschool.org or call 410-778-4100 ext. 110. Kent School, located on the bank of the Chester River in historic Chestertown, MD is an independent day school serving girls and boys from Preschool through Grade 8. The School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world.
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