Fifth grader Isaac Hunter of LaFayette, Ga., wants to pursue a career in history when he grows up. He was recently named as the 2014 recipient of the LearningRx Chattanooga Student of the Year award. The award is presented to the student who shows dramatic improvement by overcoming learning difficulties that keep people from achieving their full potential in school, work or life.
Isaac had been diagnosed with an extreme case of ADHD before he entered Kindergarten.
But with special accommodations and medication at school, he had managed to do okay until fourth grade. His parents soon realized that increasing accommodations would not provide a long-term solution for his learning struggles which was not only affecting his academic performance but also his overall behavior and outlook on life.
“We had tried numerous kinds of ADHD medicines, food and bedtime changes, homeopathic and herbal treatments, weighted blankets and accommodations at school and a whole lot of prayer,” said Lori Hunter, Isaac’s mother. “Even with all of these things, including the occasional good days, at the end of the day we still felt defeated and hopeless.”
The Hunters decided to have Isaac tested to determine the root cause of his learning difficulties. Upon reviewing the results they enrolled their son in a 16-week program at LearningRx to help strengthen Isaac’s cognitive skills. Isaac’s mom says they noticed positive changes soon after he began the training.
“There have been many amazing improvements in Isaac that I have noticed. On the first day of school, I was able to see a difference in his separation anxiety. He was able to go straight to a new class without fear and worries,” She said. “He also improved in his mathematic skills so much that he went from almost failing all last year, to making an “A” in math this year,” Hunter continued.
Isaac’s trainer Dawn Hendrix said she saw his potential from the beginning and was proud of Isaac’s tenacity even during the toughest weeks of training he was able to push through and overcome his challenges of frustration.
“I still get updates from this wonderful family and love to hear Lori brag on Facebook to anyone who will listen. Isaac came to LearningRx for help in school but has taken away so much more. He has eyes that look toward the future and a confidence that whatever he sets his sights on, he can achieve,” said Dawn Hendrix, LearningRx Brain Trainer.
Isaac Hunter who dreams of pursuing a career in history is now in the running in a national contest for the top spot as Student of the Year. The winner of that award will be recognized at a ceremony in Colorado Springs in late July.