Name: Michelle Kemp, Class of 2011 graduate
Senior Mastery Project: What happens when a young adult is suddenly diagnosed with a disability? How does it affect them? How do they cope? Through her research, Kemp learned how the onset of a sudden disability affects youth and what can be done to help them deal with the diagnosis so they can move forward and lead happy, fulfilling lives.
Why she chose this topic: "I discovered last year that I had a sudden disability. It was more on a personal basis that I picked it, but I also want to start teaching people about disabilities such as mine so that people can learn more about them and grow more of an understanding," Kemp, who was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Dysautonomia last year, told Patch.
How is she coping with her diagnosis?: "I pretty much just try to live a normal teenager life. I like to go out with my friends. I like to spend time with my family. I just try to live life as normally as possible," Kemp said.
A Disturbing Discovery: While researching her topic, she was surprised to learn how cruelly people with disabilities were treated in the past. During World War II, people with disabilities or illnesses were among the first to be killed.
Fun Facts: Kemp works at a barn, giving horseback riding lessons. She plays six instruments: guitar, bass guitar, clarinet, bass clarinet, drums and piano. While attending school, she was involved with the Animal Welfare Club, which raises money for local animal shelters and helps non-profit organization, Horse of Connecticut, find loving homes for adopted horses who were previously abused.
Summer Plans: She will spend her summer working at the barn and relaxing.
Editor's Note: Hey, Avon Class of 2011 graduating seniors! Do you want your senior master project featured on Avon Patch? E-mail the information to Jessie.Sawyer@patch.com, along with a photo of you and your project. Parents, you can submit on behalf of your children as well. We will be spotlighting one senior mastery project a day, Mondays through Fridays, throughout the entire summer.
