Portraits of Success

Sarah Fulwiler 2009

Few students can recall the exact moment when they decided what they would pursue for a life career. Even fewer adults can say that they followed the career path of their high school dreams. Sarah Fulwiler is one of those few. 

In her scholarship application, submitted in the spring of her senior year at T.C. Williams, Sarah described a curly haired three-year-old named Bradley who was just starting to walk and talk and who ". . . made me realize what I want to do with the rest of my life."  Sarah met Bradley in her Human Resources Education class that paired high school students with preschool students with developmental delays who received special education services. Bradley lacked fine motor skills and suffered from significant speech problems. Despite his challenges, Sarah recognized the little boy as "one of the smartest three-year-olds I've ever met"  She said, "It scares me to think that if Bradley didn't have the supportive parents and school system he has, one day he would be on his own and would not be able to handle day to day tasks. Thinking about this made me realize how much I want to help people with special needs and getting a scholarship will allow me go to college and fulfill my dream."

Sarah received a scholarship from the Fund, enrolled at James Madison University and earned a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master's degree in special education. Today, Sarah teaches students with intellectual disabilities at T.C. Williams.  She cares passionately about her students.  The Special Education Department of ACPS is thrilled to have a T.C. Graduate return as one of its teachers.

T.C. Williams Class of 2002

B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies, James Madison University, 2006

M.Ed., Special Education, James Madison University, 2007

< Prev		Next >