Page 73 - The Exceptional Harley Fetterman

THE EXCEPTIONAL HARLEY FETTERMAN

With the benefit of gaining lasting friendships with other visually
impaired students, Harley actively sought out and easily developed
long lasting friendships with other Braille Challenge competitors. One
such close friend was Merlyn Hileman. Because of their last names,
they often were seated next to each other in competition. They were
both in the same grade. Merlyn lived in Round Rock, Texas school
district and Harley lived in Austin, Texas. Merlyn was originally from
Orange County, California. Her family moved to Central Texas after
her sixth grade—partly because they believed they would have better
access in Texas to technology and services for people who are blind.
One such resource was the Texas School for the Blind and Visually
Impaired.

Harley and Merlyn were among twelve 8 grade finalists
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competing in Los Angeles at the 2011 National Braille Challenge.
Merlyn had competed since she was in first grade and Harley began
competing in the second grade. These two friends had been among 60
finalists in a field of 850 competitors from all across North America.
Like most kids their age, when they met up before the National
Braille Challenge there was sure to be some smack talk.

“Next time, you're going to lose,” Harley told Merlyn. “I plan to
win. I plan on taking you by less than a tenth of a point.”

“Oh, yeah, right!” Merlyn shot back. “Like that's going to happen.”

Figure 24: Merlyn and Harley, friendly competitors.

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