Timothy Compton enrolled at Parker Academy in the seventh grade, and for him, small class sizes and more focused attention from teachers have made all the difference.
“Even when I was frustrated, angry and didn’t want to be here,” he said, “I didn’t want to leave.”
Parker Academy provides private out-of-district placements for students with higher support needs than can be met by the public school system. Grades are rarely bigger than four students and many individual classes enroll only two or three.
There, Compton made connections and found a community that supported his interests. There, he grew. He reflected on the strength of that community with the family, friends and staff who filled the school’s parking lot on Friday to celebrate its class of four graduates.
He still remembers how one teacher pushed him to be a role model for those around him when he was struggling to adjust. He thanked his friends, too: “I’m going to miss the chess games during lunch,” he said, addressing the audience.
Following graduation, Compton hopes to become a chess coach. He now plays competitively and has talked with chess tutors about pursuing that path through the Major Choice Program, which Parker Academy offers in connection with NH Bureau Vocational Rehabilitation.
Compton received two awards during the ceremony: The Reflect, Reset, Rise Above Award for his growth in reflecting on himself and the Phoenix Award, which is given to students who embody the school’s fiery-feathered mascot. Principal Ginelle Johnson presented the award, highlighting Compton’s ability and willingness to meet any challenge he faces.
Danielle Krautmann, the school’s CEO, director and occupational therapist, spoke highly of the community that uplifted Parker’s students and that they had, themselves, helped to build. The small, casual ceremony was full of the community she spoke of.
Students ran to greet alumni and former teachers, and groups quickly formed as everyone mingled together.
Krautmann focused on the growth the four graduates had shown in their time at Parker. While the students had all come the school at different times and for different reasons, they all made strides in their learning.
The ceremony closed with a performance by Compton, fellow student Jada Blanchette and music teacher Hunter Bolduc, who is also a Parker Academy alum.
Compton, who has been heavily involved in the school’s music program, typically plays ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ at graduations. This year, he chose to perform ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’ by Coldplay.
The song, he said, captured his journey and that of others finding their place at Parker Academy.
