UCFSD Alumna Amanda McGrory shares her story with Hillendale Fifth Graders
“Ready to race?” challenged Hillendale Elementary School (HES) fifth grade teacher Patrick Ricci to his former student, Amanda McGrory (‘04). Before the start of the school year, Ricci injured his Achilles– he currently uses a scooter to help him get to his classroom. McGrory, a decorated Paralympian, marathoner and racer, gladly accepted the invitation.
Every year, McGrory either returns to HES or Zooms to speak with Mr. Ricci’s fifth grade class. This year, in celebration of the Paris Games, the whole grade was treated to her in-person visit.
“The best things that ever happened to me were having Amanda in my first class at HES–and being able to still stay in touch with her,” explained Ricci. “It's special to me.”
During her visit, McGrory told stories about her life at and after school. Afterward, the students shared what they learned. Some of their favorites included learning how her race chair works, that she has the lightest wheelchair in the world and that she has a dog. However, admiration of McGrory’s character was mentioned the most.
At just five years old, she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a rare disorder of the spine that affects one in six million people worldwide. While one-third of those diagnosed make a good or full recovery, McGrory never regained use of her legs.
“I remember it perfectly like it happened yesterday,” McGrory shared. “I woke up like any other day, brushed my teeth and then started walking down the stairs. As I was walking down the stairs, the muscles in my legs were tight but I couldn’t fully straighten them. From the onset of the transverse myelitis to the point that I could no longer walk, it was an hour or two at most.”
The diagnosis challenged her physically and mentally. McGrory began to battle severe depression. “It was a lonely place to be. I didn’t know any other kids with disabilities. My friends would do things that I used to do, but I no longer could,” she remembered.
Years after her diagnosis, McGrory was connected with the Variety Club of Philadelphia. The non-profit organization was established to help children with disabilities and it hosted an annual sleep-away camp. Here, she met other kids who’d learned creative ways of living their lives. Combined with the discovery of wheelchair sports, the experience was life-changing.
At age 14, McGrory’s new perspective came in handy when she faced a severe case of scoliosis. Recovery took months and, while doctors warned that she may never participate in athletic events again, McGrory didn’t let it stop her.
Through this determination, she graduated from Unionville High School (UHS) with honors, received an athletic scholarship to the University of Illinois, a BS in Psychology, a Master's in Library and Information Science, seven Paralympic medals and more.
Now retired, McGrory works as an Archivist & Collections Curator for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. “I’m like a fancy librarian,” she described to the Huskies as they passed around her racing glove. McGrory has also stepped into the role of commentator for this Summer’s Olympics, Paralympics and two upcoming Marathons.
“She is my role model,” Ricci said. “Amanda is the person I thought of when UCFSD’s Portrait of a Graduate first came out,” he added.
The last sentence of that Portrait reads “treat others with respect and empathy, and always remember that kindness matters.” UCFSD has launched a special initiative to celebrate kindness this year. To McGrory, kindness means “understanding that everyone’s journey is different– and being willing to learn that you don’t know everything about someone else’s experience.”
After her visit, the fifth-graders shared their thanks for McGrory’s presentation. “We all appreciate your kindness and your love toward our school,” said one student. Another added “I want to be like you when I grow up, happy and kind.”