FSW Collegiate High School Student Balances College and High School with Asperger’s - Will Receive His AA degree and High School Diploma in May
Apr 28, 2015
Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School (FSWC) – Charlotte will recognize many graduates in May. One graduate in particular, Grayson Steur, will receive his AA degree before his high school diploma and managed to accomplish these goals while diagnosed with Asperger’s. Many students in the FSWC programs receive their AA degrees prior to high school graduation due to the opportunities for dual enrollment with the college, Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW). April is National Autism Awareness Month, and individuals like Steur are great examples of achieving success no matter what the circumstances are.
“I have enjoyed attending school here at FSWC,” said Steur. “I received many great opportunities for learning, and teaching as I would share my story with fellow classmates to educate them about Asperger’s and Autism.”
Janna Marxuach, Grayson’s mom, is extremely proud of his accomplishments, and serves as one of his biggest cheerleaders. “I know how hard Grayson works to succeed, and look forward to seeing him walk across stage twice this year to earn two diplomas.”
Steur has attended FSWC- Charlotte throughout his entire high school career, having participated in multiple clubs and being inducted into the National Honor Society. Upon graduation, Steur plans to attend New College of Florida beginning in the fall to study biology with the ultimate goal of receiving his PhD in neuroscience. He has a strong interest in the research and study of the human brain, and plans to learn about the psychology and philosophy.
“As a child, I was surrounded by information about the human brain as my mom and I learned to understand Asperger’s and Autism. I wanted to learn more about myself and along the way I would pick up other interesting facts about the biology of the brain. I just find it very fascinating,” said Steur.
“He has always been intensely focused when he was interested in something,” said Marxuach. “He had a poem published on the autism national website when he was in middle school, and at the age of eight he was featured on the Denver news for collecting and identifying 17 different species of grasshoppers. I am so proud of him and all the accomplishments he has earned.” Before diving back into college studies in the fall, Steur and his family plan to take a few vacations, volunteer at the local humane society, and work a part time job to save some money to help at college.
FSWC Charlotte is designed to provide a diverse population of students an opportunity to graduate with both a high school degree and an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. The teaching methods used provide students an engaging learning environment and opportunities to receive additional educational resources through the high school and Florida SouthWestern State College. For more information about Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School Charlotte County please call (941) 637-5673 or visit us online http://www.fsw.edu/wp/cchs/. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FSWCCharlotte.
Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015.
Last Updated: April 28, 2015
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