Breaking barriers: High school student awarded for community contributions

As a three-sport athlete, popular student and accomplished tractor driver — Michael Clement's friendly face is known by many at Wareham Public Schools. Clement is non-verbal and has cerebral palsy — yet that has not stopped him from achieving great things and receiving an award for his efforts.

Clement is a part of the Key Club — a service organization that encourages members to make a positive impact in their communities by volunteering. Within the club he has built strong leadership skills by doing community service around Wareham. Advisor Matt Stanton noted how hard Clement has worked in his first year with the club. 

“He’s always so happy and I’ve never seen him light up like he did when he was over at Damien’s Food Pantry and the recycling center,” Stanton said. “He’s contributed more community service hours than any other student in this school.” 

That is why Stanton nominated Clement for the Key Club’s Sandy Nininger Award — an award given to high school students who distinguish themselves by making the most of their opportunities.

Clement said he was happy to receive the award and thanked Stanton for nominating him. He was given a medal and certificate Friday, April 11 in front of an intimate group of supporters.

“I like working at the recycling center and food pantry,” he said. “It’s good to help people and work with other students.”

Although waking up early to volunteer is hard, Clement overcomes his urge to stay in bed and joins his close friend Kaylin Silva for laughs while they help the community. 

“I’ve enjoyed the Key Club meetings and working with others, especially my friend Kaylin,” he said. “Knowing that I’m helping others keeps me going.”

Clement's mother, Jesse, thanked the staff and friends who have helped her son get to where he is now. 

“We’re proud of Michael but it takes another adult to help him as well,” she said. “The adult support — we’re happy about that.”

One of his supporters present was teacher Megan Kashner. A long-time friend of the family, and Clement’s coach, she spoke fondly of her bond with him and how proud she was to see him get so far socially and physically. 

“His family’s really supportive of him getting out there and doing three sports — and that’s not easy for him,” Kashner said. “His endurance has improved significantly now being able to ambulate all over school.” 

Kashner said she loves how motivated he is to get out and help.

“He wants to do it now and it’s so cool,” she said. “All these other kids that don’t have the challenges he has, what do they do? What’s their excuse?” 

Part of Clement's goals in his remaining time in school is to get more people involved in the Key Club. 

“I would tell (students) to join the Key Club,” he said. “They can do it even if they have challenges with motor skills or communication.”