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SALT LAKE CITY — When Granite School District vision specialist Deann Graves was paired with a second-grade student named Caroline Blair 12 years ago, she quickly learned the young student was especially gifted.
“I remember the first time we did testing,” Deann said. “She used logic to figure out her multiplication tables, and I realized this girl is brilliant.”
Despite being blind since birth, Blair has paved a trail of academic success throughout her tenure in school. Now as she prepares to graduate with honors from Skyline High School, Blair is eagerly anticipating the new pathways that await her in just a few short weeks.
What may seem like a capstone to some is, in reality, just another stepping stone for Blair, who will begin classes at Utah State University in the fall. Her aspiring spirit is a trait her mother, Pat Renfranz, has paid attention to for the past 18 years.
“Once she learns something, she’s able to do it,” Renfranz said. “She uses her own methods to stay on par with her peers.”
During her time in high school, Blair was a member of the Skyline High Madrigals, concert choir and cross-country team. She also took several AP (Advanced Placement) courses on her way to earning a scholarship to Utah State University.
Be patient with yourself. Even if what you do isn’t perfect, there’s always a second chance.
–Caroline Blaire
With all of her academic merit, it seems as though the only thing that caused Blair any trouble in high school was the room numbering system at Skyline.
“The room numbers in the building don’t really flow, and it was a little difficult to find my classes at first,” she said.
Outside of school, she enjoys playing the piano, swimming, rock climbing, skiing and anything related to the outdoors. In choosing a course of study, she said she flips between psychology and music therapy, both of which caught her interest during the past few years. Although liable to change, psychology is currently her top choice.
“It’s neat to be able to understand why people think the way that they do,” she said.
In preparing for college life, Blair said she wants to become better acquainted with some of the modern technologies that are not as intuitive for someone with impaired vision. It’s a hurdle she’s tackling with the help of her longtime teacher Graves, who is often referred to as her “second mom.”
“Trying to keep up with technology can be a bit of a struggle,” Graves said. “But I think she’s ready; she’ll do so well.”
Realizing that many students face uncontrollable challenges on top of their regular workload, Blair said she hopes that her peers can take something positive from her story.
“Be patient with yourself," she said. "Even if what you do isn’t perfect, there’s always a second chance.”
Steven Powell can be reached at spowell@graniteschools.org
