The Stampede | Page 2

Bexley trying to stay positive during hospital visiit with a mascot

Bexley Harrison, a former student at VCS, is a normal girl that likes to do what any girl her age likes to do. That includes drawing,baking, singing, and spending time with her family. But Harrison’s normal life took a big turn one day in February, 2013, changing her life entirely.

Her story is one that includes many struggles, such as being diagnosed with twelve different medical conditions, including Chronic Migraines, Amplified Pain Syndrome, and gastroparesis, according to her website.

Harrison has to be pushed in a wheelchair which makes it more difficult for her doctor appointments due to the fact they’re in Orlando.

Harrison’s life has completely changed. She has to be homeschooled and must take “small breaks in between” due to the fact that she’s in constant pain. She’s in the hospital in and out, and has multiple doctor appointments a week .

While at the hospital she likes to make stuffed animals, notebooks, and bracelets for other kids. Through all this that has happened to her she tries to stay positive and says “So many good things have come from what most people would look at as a nightmare”. She also says she has become a “much better and stronger.”.

If you would like to learn more about her story go to www.pledgie.com/campaigns/261500bn

Currently offering Spanish as its only foreign language, The Villages Charter School has some students that want a variety. Freshmen Brandon Reyna is one student that thinks the school should offer other languages.

"French, Latin, Chinese, Japanese, and German because language stays with you forever and other economies are growing, opening more doors to future jobs." said Reyna.

Reyna has a special interest in one language in particular.

“Chinese or Japanese because their economy is growing.”

One student that doesn’t think the school should offer more languages is freshman, Spencer Lawson.

“I wouldn’t take another language because I like taking Spanish right now.”

Lawson thinks the effects of adding multiple languages in the school would have a variety of potential consequences.

“It would cause smaller classes, the need for more classrooms, and more teachers to pay.”

Vice principle Jan Thompson shared her thoughts about the school’s foreign language program.

French, Latin, and German. were some of the languages she was considering to offer.

Thompson said other foreign languages would be offered to the middle school as well.

“As long as they are in the Florida State Standard.”

Overall, Thompson thinks there are benefits of taking another language.

“Sometimes it increases the ability of understanding English vocabulary and root words.”

Bexley's Light Shines Through Her Struggles

By Brandon Reyna

Spreading the Word 

By Zach Towers