12-year-old 'hype man' with cerebral palsy brings joy to Sampson classmates

A 12-year-old with cerebral palsy is known as the "hype man" at his school in Sampson County for his positive, inspiring energy.

Midway Middle School in Dunn encourages students to build new friendships. In the school’s special education class, progress comes slow, but every effort receives praise.

Teacher Kimberly Faison said students work hard, but their retention of class material takes time.

“Once your see them get it, you are blown away because you are so happy that finally, something clicked for them," Faison said.

One of her students, Adam Harris, 12, lives with cerebral palsy, a condition which often causes issues like weakness, muscle stiffness and some difficulty speaking.

Among Adam’s many friends is 8th grader Will Baggett.

“He doesn't speak a lot," Baggett explained. "He's got a lot of character, and he doesn't need to speak to show it.”

All Adam's friends say it’s his personality that shines through. Some of them have taken Adam on camping trips or helped him compete in the Special Olympics.

When the school day begins, friends are there to help Adam get to class. He’s known as a “hype man” for the school’s basketball and football teams.

“Just the joy of being around him will make you happy as well," Faison said. "He is a very bright student. He loves to play. He loves jokes. He loves scary stories.”

Adam's sister, Mary, and her parents are thrilled to see how the school embraces Adam and his classmates.

“Oh, he's very outgoing, and he'll just laugh at anything you say," said Mary. “We’re very thankful for all the support from everybody ... we are like family for everybody.”

Assistant principal Beth Elmore said the school’s success is simply the result of people helping other people.

It's not about differences or similarities between students, and that's what makes Midway Middle School so special.

“It's about their choice to love students; to love to help them, to encourage them and to just be a part of their life," Elmore said.

“It's kind of a joy to have him in our school," Baggett added. "There's not a lot of people like him in this world. He's amazing to me, every day how happy he is, and I think we all should be like him.”