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Russell Haggard might be considered somewhat of a walking contradiction. The Collierville High senior, diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, is by definition supposed to struggle in social settings.
Yet, he is one of the graduating class' most well-known, popular students, earning peer titles of "Most Likely Remembered" and Winterfest King.
He disarms his social disorder with charm and determination.
"Lots of people know me, yet I'm in still in the process of learning (how to socialize)," he acknowledged. "I feel as normal as any other kid, but different at the same time."
Tracy Conley, CHS special education case worker, has tutored Haggard one-on-one for two years. She said his popularity and high academic marks (a 3.31 grade point average) can be directly attributed to his drive.
She describes Haggard as an "overachiever" and a "model student." The school's guidance counselor for seniors, Jana Blanchard, calls him an "18-year-old success story," and an "integral part" of the class of 2008.
"All of us here at Collierville High who have known him as a freshman have watched him mature," said Conley. "It just seems that everyone knows and likes him. He has a motivation to be successful at everything."
Haggard said his disorder can interfere with academics. Impromptu creative assignments can be difficult because they're often devoid of structure, he said. Rigid time constraints also detour his route to accurate answers. When provided enough time, however, his intelligence blossoms.
He overcomes the challenges with hard work, spending many after-school hours with a tutor.
"I've taken advantage of special academic support here and the extra time to focus on studies," he said. "They have helped me tremendously."
Haggard played clarinet in the school band, and in eighth grade, he won his school's Geography Bee, then finished runner-up in the state contest.
"I have a good memory, so I could drill myself where places are on the globe," he explained.
Another personality characteristic Conley cited as a key to Haggard's abilities is self-confidence - he has long had his eyes set on the White House. The trait, Conley said, is one many of his peers have not secured.
His mother, Karen Haggard, refuted the notion that Russell got his self-assuredness from her or his dad, Dan Haggard, though certainly he benefited from their support.
"His parents could not necessarily be described as the most outgoing people, so really, we don't know where he got that confidence - but he's always had it," Karen said, "and it's a big part of his success."
Haggard plans on attending college either at Western Kentucky University, which has similar academic assistance for students like him, or Union University in Jackson, Tenn. He will major in political science - a personal passion - and perhaps, business, too. "People here may never forget who I am, and I will remember them, especially my teachers," he reflected.
While tackling Asperger's symptoms may have forced Haggard to work extraordinarily at various chores his peers might fight unremarkable, such discipline has crafted his perspective on his future.
"I don't ever want to be ordinary. I want to be and do something exceptional. I want to make an impact that distinguishes me," he said.
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