For the majority of his life, Christian Howard was blind in his left eye. At the age of six his eye pressure began to rise, and he underwent many surgeries. Later he had complications with scar tissue. By the age of seven, Howard was legally blind. In 6th grade, Howard attended Middletown Middle School and then was home schooled during 7th and 8th grade. Entering LHS as a freshman, he is the first blind student to attend Linganore.

The summer before his freshman year, Howard visited Linganore to familiarize himself with the school and to decide what classes he was going to take. On a daily basis, Howard’s teachers must have his assignments translated into braille, where he can then read them using a device called a BrailleNote. Howard is currently taking all honors classes, which is another challenge for him. Algebra can be especially difficult due to graphing. Howard can only read a graph that is a tactile, which means that it has raised lines and symbols. Despite having these challenges, Howard has maintained A’s in all his classes.

Howard’s favorite classes are English and drama.

Howard’s drama teacher, Mr. Julian Lazarus said, “He is able to leverage his unique abilities to fully participate in class.”

“People tend to think things are harder than they are,” said Howard. After high school, he wants to attend a university. Howard is considering becoming a pastor/minister or a writer.

Howard is also active outside of school. He is a member of the Student Government Association (SGA), the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), the Men’s Society, and is involved in the drama department. Commonly carrying-out comedic roles, he played “Belligerent man in the back of the auditorium” in Our Town and “Photographer” in Anything Goes.

 Lancer Media talked to Howard to learn what his experiences are like:

 Q: Do you see anything?

A: I cannot distinguish colors and shapes. Though, unlike some other blind people, I can see light, so I can tell if a light is on in a room, and I can figure out the time of day. Also, I do know about shapes and colors, since I learned them when I was younger.

 Q: What are some common questions that people ask you?

A: I think people tend to be afraid to ask me questions. I think they tend to think I’m not aware of situations going on around me, when I actually am.

 Q: Was it a shock to hear that you were blind?

A: Although not too dramatic, it was somewhat of a shock when I became blind. My vision was deteriorating and I was having the surgeries. It was not gradual either. Although it was a slight form of deterioration, the actual time it took for it to occur was surprisingly short.

 Q:  Are you ever bullied?

A: No, I’m not bullied. Everyone is really nice to me.

Q:  How do you feel about people helping you?

A: It depends on why they’re helping. I certainly don’t mind when people try to assist me, as a form of kindness. However, if I feel I can do something, then I would certainly advocate that to them. However, if people treat me differently because of my blindness, then that’s the only problem I have.

Q:What are your hobbies?

A: I enjoy swimming, writing and I’m learning to golf.

Howard’s father, Greg Howard, said, “With blind golfers you have to line them up, but other than that, it is similar.  We do use special grips on his club that help with alignment of the club.”