This February we introduced one of our friends Sam Rogers, who had won the Northman award at his high school, Shawnee Mission North. Fast forward to today, and Sam has moved on to even more fun and exciting achievements in his life since his high school graduation. Though he misses SMN and the wonderful, accepting atmosphere there, he has begun a new chapter of education at the Shawnee Mission Post-High Transition Program which is based out of the Shawnee Mission South High School.
Sam joined SM’s 3 year post-transition program which focuses on a variety of subjects all geared toward independent living, from keeping a checkbook to practicing professional writing. He also works at the Chuck E. Cheese every afternoon through the program to gain valuable work experience. He is eligible to attend this amazing post-high program for 3 years till he graduates at 21.
But that’s not all Sam has been up to! He is also attending Johnson County Community College’s CLEAR program. The College Learning Experiences, Activities and Resources, or CLEAR, is a program that provides adults with developmental disabilities experiences in continuing education in several different 7-week courses of their choice. At JCCC, Sam took a class on decision making and problem solving and a class on financial management. About his classes, Sam said,”I like going to JCCC and taking college classes. They are the best!! I get to see other friends that went to other high schools at college.”
When Sam isn’t in class, he participates with the Down Syndrome Guild’s adult group, where he can attend activities and events with the friends he’s made over the years. He also still loves attending SM North football and basketball games with his family!
As much as he loves his programs and classes, Sam is ready for Christmas break! He says he’s looking forward to hanging out with his sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Brock, every day during break since they are both teachers and won’t be in session. One of the holiday traditions Sam loves is making pumpkin flavored puppy chow and bringing it to his granny’s every Christmas Eve. Sam and his family also have fun watching Christmas movies every year as well as doing their advent calendars to countdown the days till Christmas. This year, they have two; one on their fridge and one with treats for their dogs!
Christmas is one of Sam’s favorite times of the years. “I love everything about Christmas, all the decorations and driving around looking at Christmas lights on people's houses. This year I helped Mom put up a small tree in my room with Marvel and Star Wars ornaments on it!! I love it. I also have a [Shawnee Mission] North tree too that is red and black. I also helped her put up our big tree and helped put ornaments on it too.”
We’re so happy to have an awesome kid like Sam as part of our family at FDFDS, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for him!
