Local & State Headlines

Program honors perseverance

• Kids That Triumph is an awards program that recognizes students who have overcome any of several challenges to achieve academic success.

Joshua Brown

LEESBURG — When Kendle Fulton's name was called to be recognized as a Kid That Triumphs at Wednesday's Dougherty County School Board meeting, his proud father proclaimed, "That's my boy!" to the crowded room.

Fulton was one of thirty Dougherty County School System students who were recognized as part of the Kids That Triumph award program for overcoming various physical or emotional challenges in their academic lives, said School Superintendent Sally Whatley.

"He's had a hard upbringing, going to see doctors and (taking) medication and therapy," the boy's father, Ervin Fulton, said after his son was recognized. Kendle has faced many challenges in his life – he is blind, has glaucoma and a mild case of ADHD.

At 18 months old, Kendle entered speech therapy, where he would undergo treatment until he was 6 years old.

"When he first started there, he didn't hardly utter a word, but you can't shut him up now," the proud father said of his son's achievements. On his latest report card, Kendle was only three points away from making the honor roll, Ervin Fulton said.

"I'm pretty excited," Kendle said before getting a picture with the group. The boy remains polite at all times, adding "sire" to most of his answers to a reporter's questions.

His favorite subjects are music and English, he says shyly, though he tags science onto his answer when a nearby teacher prods him.

Whatley said the awards program, which is in its third year, gives the school system the chance to recognize the "inspirational" students.

"There may be challenges, physical challenges, maybe emotional challenges, there may just be some challenges in their home life, she said. "But those children are being successful and the school system recognizes them for their success.

"They are an inspiration."

More Headlines>>