July 1, 2022 | Jeffrey Good
Kimberly Morris says there was never really any question about her sexual identity. “I never liked boys — always knew.”
In public, some people misgender her, she says. ”I’m a girl that comes off masculine and I get misgendered as a male.” But at Clark County Acceleration Academies, educators and fellow graduation candidates know her for her full self and make her feel fully supported.
“All the coaches are so helpful,” she says.
At her old high school, teachers dealing with packed classrooms weren’t able to give her the personal attention she sometimes needs to master the material. “They didn’t really give the help that was needed,” she says. “The help that Acceleration gives is one-on-one.”
Kimberly, 18, says the program’s flexible scheduling is crucial. She works at the airport helping disabled people get aroung the terminal. With a 50-hour work week, she needs the ability to do her coursework during her off-hours. “I can log in when I have some free time.”
When she can’t make it to campus, she said social studies content coach Alana Milich is always willing to hop on a video call and help her master complicated concepts.
The support goes beyond just academics. LIfe coach JoAnne Brown has provided not just counseling but also offered to drop off a wifi hotspot and other items when Kimberly couldn’t make it to the academy.
“That was really helpful because I couldn’t make it due to my work,” she says. “At most schools you don’t get that kind of help.”
After graduation, Kimberly plans to earn her commercial drivers license and become an interstate trucker. She loves the feel of being at the wheel of a powerful rig, and the freedom offered by the open road. She knows her road will be smoother with a diploma in hand.
“A high school diploma is one of the main things you need to have a good-paying job.”