A strong sense of community is what Highland Schools are all about and that feeling of community is certainly present for one of this district’s families.

The Adkins’ son Darren, a student of Highland since Kindergarten, was born with cerebral palsy, an affliction that recently put him into the operating room at Nationwide Columbus Children’s Hospital to correct a spinal problem he was having.

To help the Adkins through their difficult time, Highland held a “hat fundraiser” for the family, raising money for the family’s medical costs.

“The money raised at the school allowed my husband to take time off work to stay with us during the recovery,” Darren’s mother Dannielle Adkins said. “As parents we were very scared about the procedure and recovery. Highland Schools just opened their arms to us and made Darren’s recovery so special.”

Prior to Darren’s surgery the Highland High School basketball team made the Highland student an honorary captain during one their games this season.

“He is one of the team’s biggest fans,” Dannielle explained. “Each one of the young men from the team made Darren feel as if he was “one of the guys” from the team.”

Darren’s surgery went off without any major complications, and he has since returned to school from his operation.

“With heartfelt thanks, I would like to acknowledge Highland Local School District with all of the love and support they have shown for our son and family,” Dannielle stated. “Everyone from the bus garage, the cafeteria, teachers, and students just showed us such incredible amounts of support. I would also like to thank the Morrow County Board of Developmental disabilities, Angels Home care, and Renee Temple for helping us at home throughout his recovery so my husband and I could return to work. I cannot begin to express just how much all of this support has meant to our little family. We will forever be grateful for all of the love and support given to us.”

Courtesy photo Darren Adkins with Highland High School basketball coach Matt Bradley.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/03/web1_DarrenMrBradley.jpgCourtesy photo Darren Adkins with Highland High School basketball coach Matt Bradley.

By Zach Jones

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Reach Jones at 419-946-3010 ext. 1803 or on Twitter @zJones_1239