Jada Cormier

We are so proud of Jada Cormier, LCB Buddy Alumni. Please see below to read an article of her achievements.

Jada on cane travel during Buddy Camp 2013.

This article ran in The Daily Iberian

"BAYOU WORDSMITH

by Julaine Deare Schexnayder

Here’s a young girl I want you to keep your eye on. Even at 14, she is clearly able to imagine a future in pop or country music. And according to her teachers and other supporters, she has what it takes to do so. Add to that the fact that she is a gifted student, a faithful friend and a loving daughter. Success is written in her fortune cookie.
Did I mention that she has been blind since birth?
Jada Paige Cormier possesses a natural beauty that makeup would only hide. She has been blessed with flawless skin and long wavy hair. Her quick smile adds to her appeal. She giggles slyly and blushes when encouraged to speak of herself. She’s a sweet kid.
Academically she is in the Gifted and Talented Program at Delcambre High School, where she has attended school since kindergarten. As an eighth-grader, Jada is granted only a few perks: She rides a special bus from her home near New Iberia; and she has an aide, Miss Patty, who has been her “eyes” during classroom hours since starting school. They are almost like one, Jada says with affection. “She helps me to see what is on the large computer screen while the teacher explains geometry or math.” For her part, Miss Patty does her best to keep up with her bright student. Jada’s nearly straight-A report card (only one B in science) attests to their working well together.
Taking notes in class is no problem. Her nimble fingers move quickly over the keyboard on her new Braille Sense U-2, similar to a court report’s stenograph machine.
Always nearby is Jada’s 4-foot cane, which sighted people expect to see a blind person using. But hers is decorated in hot pink and black tape as an extension of her fun personality. In this and every endeavor, she is cheered and supported by her mother, Michelle, and two younger brothers.
At home, she likes to stay connected with friends from around the state whom she has met at Blind Camp, which she attends each summer near Ruston. The three-week event is the highlight of her year. She and her fellow campers get to share experiences in an environment where they are treated like everyday kids. From her experiences at camp she has gained the confidence to tackle almost any task.
Jada’s Talent-Music teacher, Julia Allen, can’t say enough good things about her eighth-grade student. “She is a talented soprano ... but she also has a passion for books, humor and life in general. Her disability does nothing to deter her.
“She is very creative. Improvising on the piano is one of her favorite activities. Jada’s versatile, too, from recording a Christmas album for her family and friends, to singing in a four-part a capella quartet, to writing a song to liven up her science class.”
Here is a girl of extraordinary abilities who has not let the hand that life has dealt her get her down. In fact, she has her eyes firmly on the stars. There is no reason to think she won’t achieve her wishes."

JULAINE DEARE SHCHEXNAYDER is retired after a varied career in teaching and public relations and has been a member of a Life Writing class since 2007. Her email address is julaines14@gmail.com

Jada ringing her bell at Buddy 2013 graduation.