Alton is my full name, but you can call me AJ.

I want to inspire and be inspired! When I attended the open house at Appomattox I could see what a great school it was. It’s like a dream to be in such an amazing school with programs focused on the arts.

When I was a toddler I would sit with my mom at bedtime and we would draw and doodle. We used books that had drawing tutorials and I practiced my drawing skills. Seeing her cool drawings inspired me and I wanted to make amazing drawings just like her. I experienced the value of personal attention and collaboration and this is what I see happening at Appomattox.

I was born with a neurological condition called nystagmus. It makes my eyes flutter uncontrollably. Even though it’s hard for me to see sometimes I can write, read, draw and do normal things. Some tasks take more practice like riding a bike or catching a ball. When I am tired or excited my eyes act up and I have to find ways to calm my eyes down. I don’t get embarrassed when people ask me about my eyes fluttering. I think it’s a good thing because it tells me they are paying attention to me. Nystagmus has shown me that people are curious and understanding and not everyone “sees” things the same way. Even when someone looks normal they can have conditions that make them think or act differently.

These experiences have motivated me to create, lead, inspire, and achieve and I hope to continue doing so at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School.