Stegall named Optimist Club Student of the Semester

Eighth-grader Braxton Stegall was recently recognized as Darlington's Optimist Club Student of the Semester.

"In class, Braxton is one of the hardest working students, overcoming many academic challenges since coming to Darlington last year," said Kristen Bell, learning specialist, who introduced Stegall at the award presentation. "He has made so much progress in his academic classes, gained independence and has blossomed with more confidence this year."

Stegall plays middle school football and baseball.

Read the full text of his speech below: 

My name is Braxton Stegall and I am in eighth grade at Darlington School. I have to say that I was surprised when I was chosen for Student of the Semester. I have never been a straight-A student or a perfect learner. I struggled with reading throughout elementary school. I would always tell my mom that I wanted to be like the other kids who could read well. She would tell me that being a good reader isn't everything. It's about who you are as a person, your kindness and your work ethic. 

I learned at an early age that I had to work harder than everyone else but I didn't know why. The summer after fourth grade, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. Things finally made sense to me. I bounced around to a few different private schools until landing at Darlington. Between the Learning Center, my teachers' support, my parents' support, and me supporting myself, I am making As and Bs. I know that I can be successful even with my dyslexia; I just have to try a little harder than some people. 

Baseball helped me through the really hard times. When I didn't believe in myself at school, I always had baseball. On the weekends, I would find the confidence I was lacking during the school week. I plan to play baseball in college and hope to someday play in the MLB. I hope that I can help kids with learning disabilities find their confidence through sports.