Lincoln High Welcomes Back Wade - on His 18th Birthday
By Julie Perine on February 27, 2015 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Students of Lincoln High School came together to provide a big welcome to LHS senior Cameron Wade, who just returned to school after suffering a very serious accident several months ago.
“He was in a dirt bike accident and had a traumatic brain injury at the start of school,” said school secretary, Ann Votaw. “He’s been recuperating and finally today, he was able to come back to school.”
A homebound instructor has been keeping Wade up to date with his studies. He has also been receiving physical therapy on a regular basis. At yesterday’s therapy session, Wade was given the go ahead to attend school today.
His friends immediately set a plan into action.
“There were phone calls, Tweets, all kinds of social media going on to spread the word that Cameron was coming back to school,” Votaw said. “They wanted to get the word out to as many students and faculty members as possible.”
It seemed ideal for Wade’s classmates and teachers to welcome him by sporting the T-shirts that were previously sold as a fundraiser to help with his medical expenses.
So, through that social media blast, LHS students were given the word.
Wade indicated today that he was happy to be back and he was touched to see everyone in their “Keep Calm and Stay Cameron Strong” shirts.
“I think he is overjoyed,” Votaw said.
Today not only marks Wade’s return to school after several months. It’s also his 18th birthday, making the day all the more special. In May, he will graduate from Lincoln High School.
“He’s right on track with his studies,” Votaw said. “So that’s an added bonus.”
Wade’s friend Trevor Vance was among those organizing the welcome.
“I think of myself as part of this amazing family and so I went through the emotional effects like the family did,” he said.
Vance was there on Aug. 30 when Wade wrecked his bike at Five Points in Wetzel County.
"It was very upsetting seeing him get loaded onto the helicopter and then have to drive immediately to Ruby and meet up with friends and family,” Vance said. “Cameron has come a really long way since that accident and I can tell you nothing has changed him. He is a great guy and friend.”
Editor's Note: Above/cover photo was taken today at LHS. Wade is pictured bottom row, seventh from right. Immediately to his left is his sister Breanna Wade. Also pictured are the students sporting the shirts when they were sold a couple months ago.
