On Tuesday, December 6 Vermont educator Sam Drazin will lead two engaging speaking engagements at Kent School in Chestertown. Mr. Drazin will address Kent School’s Middle School students in an assembly Later, parents and the community-at-large are invited to hear Mr. Drazin speak. Admission is free and pre-registration is required.

Drazin was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome. Treacher Collins is a rare congenital disorder resulting in both facial anomaly and hearing loss. Drazin’s visit to Kent School coincides with the Middle School students’ (Grades 5-8) completion of their all-school read, Wonder by R.J. Palacio. In the novel Wonder, the main character, Auggie has Treacher Collins syndrome. The story follows his transition from the comfort of being home-schooled into a mainstream middle school. Sam Drazin and the character Auggie share many of the same struggles and triumphs as both endured several surgeries and progressive hearing loss. In addition to his background as an educator, Mr. Drazin is the founder and Executive Director of Changing Perspectives. Changing Perspectives is dedicated to improving disability awareness and to inspiring empathy. According to their website, “Changing Perspectives Inc. was started to provide schools with a framework for improving disability awareness and is based on an understanding of the natural curiosity of children. The ultimate goal is to help everyone recognize their own challenges and to help promote understanding, respect, and acceptance of all people.” Nancy Mugele, Head of School at Kent School said, “It is an honor to have Sam Drazin visit Kent School. His journey and his message are an inspiration to our entire school community. Kent School is deeply committed to helping our students develop excellent moral character as well as to helping them achieve academic success. Sam’s visit supports both of these goals by helping our students find greater meaning and empathy from their reading of Wonder.”