Hill-Murray Student-Athlete Evan Curtis Shares Inspiring Dyslexia Journey During Awareness Month

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and Hill-Murray student-athlete Evan Curtis is using his voice and personal experiences to inspire others who face learning challenges.

The Class of 2027 football kicker recently shared his journey with dyslexia, highlighting the power of perseverance, family support, specialized education, and believing in yourself.

Through his story, Evan hopes to encourage young people who may be struggling academically and remind them that learning differently does not limit their potential.

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

Growing up, Evan loved learning and wanted to read just like his classmates. However, despite his determination and hard work, reading remained a significant challenge.

By the end of fourth grade, Evan was still reading at approximately a first-grade level.

Rather than accepting that he couldn’t succeed, Evan’s parents recognized that he needed a different approach to learning.

With intensive Orton-Gillingham instruction from a trained literacy specialist and support from his mother, who took a year off to homeschool him, Evan made remarkable progress.

In just one year, he advanced three full grade levels in reading.

At the beginning of sixth grade, Evan enrolled at Hill-Murray School, where he continued receiving specialized literacy support while pursuing a challenging college preparatory education.

Finding Success in the Classroom and on the Field

Today, Evan is an honors student with a 3.9 GPA, pursuing his academic and athletic dreams as a member of Hill-Murray’s football program.

As a Class of 2027 kicker, he understands that success requires dedication, resilience, and the willingness to keep working through challenges.

The lessons he learned overcoming academic obstacles have helped shape his outlook both in the classroom and on the football field.

For Evan, the determination needed to improve his reading skills is much like the grit required to succeed in athletics.

Using His Platform to Inspire Others

By publicly sharing his experience during Dyslexia Awareness Month, Evan is helping raise awareness about the importance of recognizing learning differences and ensuring students receive the support they need.

His message is particularly meaningful for children and families who may be facing similar challenges.

Evan wants young people to understand that dyslexia does not define their intelligence, abilities, or future success.

He encourages students to continue believing in themselves, seek the right resources, and never allow their struggles to determine what they can achieve.

As Evan shared:

“Kicking takes grit. So does overcoming dyslexia. Never give up.”

Making an Impact Beyond the Game

Evan’s willingness to share his personal journey demonstrates how student-athletes can use their voices to create positive change beyond competition.

By speaking openly about dyslexia, he is helping reduce stigma, raise awareness, and inspire others to embrace their individual learning journeys.

His story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t only measured by accomplishments on the field, but also by the courage to help others through personal experiences.