Dare County Schools

High School - Check!  First Flight High School senior Laura Tutwiler has faced intense life challenges - with the support of family, teachers and strong faith - she has emerged as more than a conqueror. Laura participated in the Occupational Course of Study curriculum taught by Sue Messenheimer at FFHS. With Messenheimer as coach, teacher, and mentor, Laura not only passed driver’s ed  - a major milestone - she is employed at Sea Me Grow, a local childcare facility. When diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome, her physicians thought it unlikely that Laura could "function" in high school. Laura Tutwiler is a member of First Flight High School's graduating Class of 2010.

Most would agree that facing and overcoming life challenges are valuable experiences when it comes to building character and shaping the people we become. Challenges vary in intensity, they may come from our own making; others seem to come at us out of left field. First Flight High School senior Laura Tutwiler has faced an intense, “left field” challenge - with the support of family, teachers and strong faith - she has emerged as more than a conqueror.

After multiple tests, physicians found that Laura had a brain tumor when she was in seventh grade. It was during this treatment that it was discovered that Laura has Fragile X syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality.

Fast forward to 2009 when as a junior, Laura addressed her family’s congregation at St. Andrew’s as part of a youth event to reflect on her experiences:

“Fragile X syndrome is an inherited genetic disorder caused by a defect on the X chromosome,” explained Laura. “Those with Fragile X can be mentally challenged and display unusual behavioral and physical characteristics. The doctors all agreed that I was on the ‘low end’ of the spectrum; I would not be ale to perform and function on a high school level. This was all very troubling to me.

“Today I stand here to say that I am on track to graduate in 2010. I have learned a lot about myself and others while in high school.

“I know that I may not be able to meet your eyes when I talk to you, I may not be able to follow multiple instructions, I may laugh at something you may not deem funny, I may say something that may make you consider whether I’m from this planet, and I may surprise you with a hug and show of affection. I have also learned that no matter what others say or do that you can put your faith in God to help you through any difficulty.”

Laura discovered something else about herself in high school - she found a passion that placed her on a career path in early childhood education. Jann Gorham’s Early Childhood Development class gave Laura a positive experience. “Ms. Gorham got me interested in working with children,” says Laura. “When I worked with children the first time in church, I did not like working with them because I didn’t understand what was needed to work with them effectively. Now that I have matured and taken several classes and assisted in the multi-handicapped room here and at First Flight Elementary School in the After School Enrichment Program, I understand them and am better able to meet their needs. I love working with children.”

Laura is enrolled in the Occupational Course of Study curriculum at FFHS, taught by Sue Messenheimer. With Messenheimer as coach, teacher, and mentor, Laura not only passed driver’s ed  - a major milestone - she is employed at Sea Me Grow, a local childcare facility. For Laura, it’s her dream job.

On the Job - FFHS senior Laura Tutwiler worked at the Kitty Hawk childcare Sea Me Grow first as an intern before she was permanently hired. Here in late May in the two-year old class she hands out napkins at lunchtime. Jann Gorham’s Early Childhood Development class gave Laura a positive experience; OCS teacher Sue Messenheimer was instrumental in landing the internship for Laura, who has since secured her "dream job" at Sea Me Grow.

In fact, Laura reflects that her best day ever in school was the first day she began her internship at Sea Me Grow, working with infants. “I loved it so much that I wanted to go back and see my kids again!”

Laura says that Messenheimer has “taught me a lot of things about getting a job actually, and has helped me with a lot of things in life.”

Messenheimer notes that she has enjoyed working with Laura. “It has been wonderful watching her evolve and come out of her shell, now that she feels ‘less stressed’ (her words) and more comfortable with herself as she is understanding her schoolwork and its relationship to her life. “

Laura’s parents, Jay Tutwiler of Manteo and Julia Murray of Kill Devil Hills, credit Messenheimer with helping Laura to understand that while she is different, she is not restricted from doing anything she wants to do, including standing up before more than 200 people in her church to deliver her inspiring life view.

In many ways, Laura is not all that different from her peers. She likes to play video games, hang out with her friends, and read. Her favorites include J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and Jane Austen novels.

As she concluded her message to her church family last year, Laura Tutwiler, FFHS Class of 2010, summed:

“I truly believe we are all equal in the eyes of God. We all may be different but share a common purpose to be the best people we can as we trust God to lead us in a purposeful and prosperous life.

“The choices that are placed before me are much different that those faced by most teenagers; I realize I may need help along the way to realize my goals, but I accept these challenges.”