June 3, 2016

Courage and Honor 

Nicole Stirling has spent most of her career working with people with autism and their families. So when her own son was diagnosed with autism, she was expecting the common parent reaction, "to automatically mourn the child you thought you were going to have."

That didn't happen.

Instead, she thought of Connor Watt. 

'The right people'

Connor, a Sanderson High School senior, is an Eagle Scout, a member of JROTC and plays trombone in the marching band. He's taking honors courses and is set to graduate in June, then attend UNC-Pembroke in the fall. And, yes, he has autism.

"I told Connor's mother that, seeing how Connor has persevered, I know [my son] is going to be fine," says Stirling (above), a special programs teacher at Sanderson who has worked with Connor since he was in the ninth grade. "With the right people on your team, and the right parental support, I know my son and other kids will be totally, totally fine."

Which is not to say it will always be easy.

'Pay attention'

Connor has had to work hard to keep up in school. Like many people with autism, communication is difficult. He didn't really start speaking until the age of 4 says his mother, Jane Rose Watt. His verbal skills have continued to improve year by year, but Connor still tends to write all his words together on hand-written assignments, no spaces.

And, also like many of those with autism, sitting in one place for an extended period of time can be a challenge.

"It's been difficult from time to time, just generally trying to pay attention," Connor says. "Sometimes I like getting out of my desk and walking around. I don't really like sitting in a chair all the time. I kind of had to tell myself I had to sit down. But when the teacher wasn't really telling anything important, I would just get up and start walking around."

'Just like you'

The thing is, teachers and students alike were almost always understanding and accommodating. "Connor provided a learning opportunity for the other kids," Stirling says. "Not everyone is going to be just like you. It doesn't mean anyone is less than or better than anyone else."

Because of his dedication, Connor has done well academically at Sanderson, which means he didn't qualify for many special services, his mother says. "His teachers understand that and help him out," Watt says. "Every year I worried, but he just goes in there and he does it. He figures it out, and he obviously has excelled."

'In it to win it'

Connor hasn't shied away from tough courses, including honors history and math classes.

"This year, he had the option to take a different math, an easier math," Stirling says. "He said, 'Nah, I got this.' I said, 'OK, you're in it to win it now."

He was recognized with a Spotlight Award last year, given to a student from each Wake County School who has overcome adversity. "Getting him to this point has been a joint effort," Watt says. "I've been very involved, obviously. I can't say enough about his teachers. They've really appreciated him for who he is. He wouldn't be where he is today without his family and friends, his own hard work and Wake County Schools."

'Sweet kid'

Connor has made major progress in socialization, his mom says. "For him to spontaneously talk to someone is very difficult," Watt says. "He wants to try and fit in, but it is so hard for him to be comfortable."

As with his schoolwork, Connor has tackled this problem head-on, joining marching band and JROTC to stretch himself. He is an Eagle Scout, completing a service project building dog houses for the Coalition to Unchain Dogs. And, in April, he went to prom.

"He's just a sweet kid," Watt says. "He doesn't get picked on. His fellow students, they get that he's different. But he's a nice kid to hang out with." 

'Fondest memory'

Connor is excited about college and the chance to be on his own. He hopes to study environmental sciences and get a job one day conducting aerial surveys.

He was asked what he will remember most about Sanderson. Marching band competitions? JROTC events? "All those things are very fun here at Sanderson," he replied. "But I think my fondest memory is pretty much the kindness of the teachers, how they were kind enough to guide me through each class. Every time I had trouble, they helped me."