In 1998, Moorestown, New Jersey resident Blair Hornstine was diagnosed with a rare disease that virtually sapped all of her energy and left her unable to attend high school as a normal teenager. She was granted permission to complete her high school studies at home, and did so with excellence. Blair did not allow her disease to hamper her academia or spirit; in 2003, after a bit of disagreement from a fellow classmate who thought he deserved the honor, Ms. Hornstine was named Moorestown High School’s valedictorian.

Hornstine continued her schooling at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. There she concentrated on Classical Studies, eventually earning a Master’s Degree with distinction in the subject. After having taken a year off following graduation from St. Andrews, Ms. Hornstine attended Juilliard School to study music and singing, two of her passions. She is now studying to become an attorney in Virginia.

Some of the recognition she has received throughout her life include USA TODAY Academic All-American, Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Torchbearer, President’s Community Volunteer Award, Toyota Community National Scholar, Coca Cola National Scholar, Congressional Award (Gold Medal), Governor’s Volunteer Award, and the Discover Card National Tribute Award.

In addition to her scholarly achievements, Ms. Hornstine has also dedicated herself to charitable acts-perhaps most notably an organization called MAGIC she started with her brother in 1994. MAGIC’s goal is to provide assistance for women who are young, elderly, or underprivileged. Blair’s organization has contributed countless amounts of time to worthy causes, such as beautifying and restoring local parks in order to promote healthy after school activity and discourage violence in the community.

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Blair Hornstine’s story is one filled with vigorous summoning of energy, a vivacious fight, and dedication to the fulfillment of a goal. Given the seemingly indefatigable pace of the battle, it is all the more impressive Ms. Blair Hornstine was its most driving force.

As a child, Blair Hornstine was diagnosed with a rare immune deficiency and chronic fatigue syndrome that often kept her from attending school alongside her peers. Despite the obvious challenges that were placed before her by her condition, Blair Hornstine remained steady on her path. Despite her obstacles as a special needs student, she would excel, eventually becoming Valedictorian of Moorestown High.

In 2003, Blair Hornstine was named sole valedictorian of her high school, but not without a fight. The legal battle that ensued featured accusations against Ms. Hornstine, her family, and special needs students as a whole. Although Blair Hornstine indisputably earned the highest cumulative grade point average of her class, many argued that her home studies granted her an unfair advantage over the student with the second-highest GPA and that both should be named valedictorian.

Blair Hornstine argued on behalf of her own achievements and on behalf of the achievements of all other special needs students who simply could not attend school due to medical conditions. Ms. Hornstine won her fight nobly, and her victory was well deserved.