“Dragons, freedom, and breathe” are ways in which Kamora Herrington, Class of 1989, encapsulated her experience at Synergy. Kamora joined Team Synergy in the middle of her Junior year after transitioning from the larger, comprehensive high school. She acknowledged that she did not enjoy her time in the traditional setting. She knew that she needed a school where she could feel free and breathe and Synergy was the school to do just that.
What also made Synergy special to Kamora was its dedication to student development. She noted a time in which a student engaged in behavior that would likely result in suspension or expulsion. Instead, the Synergy community came together to share their perspective regarding the incident as a way of teaching and supporting the student rather than following the traditional disciplinary model. The Synergy community, students included, supported a restorative model that prioritized an understanding of the harmful behavior and maintaining positive relationships. This experience showed her and her peers that students had value and input within the educational setting and therefore were provided every chance to remain active members of the Synergy community.
After graduating, Kamora earned her undergraduate degree all while working full-time and providing for her family. She is now the founder and visionary for Kamora’s Cultural Corner, an organization which provides trainings and workshops dedicated to the development of Cultural Humility, anti-racism, and developing organic community relationships. She credits her experience at Synergy as well as her personal experience for helping her develop a perspective and lens that was much different than that of her peers; one that helped her be successful and think outside of the box.
Ms. Harrington left us with the following quote: “It is okay to be yourselves and fly out. Your individuality is your superpower. Doing so will help you think outside of the box. So make sure you are making space to find your flag and fly it.”