Profiles of a CCISD Graduate: Teddy Frederick, Clear Horizons Early College High School

For Clear Horizons Early College High School senior Teddy Frederick, the path to graduation has been shaped by change, perseverance and the support of people who believed in him along the way.

Teddy’s journey has not always been straightforward. After not being accepted to Clear Horizons at the start of his freshman year, he thought he would graduate from his zoned high school. Then, near the end of his first semester, a spot opened at Clear Horizons and he had the opportunity to make a change.

“I was scared about going from regular classes to honors classes,” Teddy said. “My parents convinced me to take the chance and transition from my zoned high school to CHECHS.”

When he arrived, Teddy said the Clear Horizons staff helped make the transition easier by welcoming him, showing him around campus and introducing themselves. Their support helped him begin a new chapter, one that would become an important part of his story.

“The CHECHS staff was really welcoming to me when I first arrived,” Teddy said. “I really appreciate that they made the transition very smooth.”

Teddy’s journey of adapting to new environments, however, began long before high school. He came to the United States in second grade without knowing English, and he remembers how difficult it was to communicate with others. At the time, he was reading below grade level and was pulled from class to receive extra support in developing his English skills.

Through practice, determination and the help of Ferguson Elementary staff, Teddy continued learning and moving forward.

“I would practice reading and speaking the language,” Teddy said. “I am thankful to Ferguson staff for helping me learn English and getting me on track.”

Teddy has also faced challenges related to cerebral palsy. While he said it can be upsetting when he is treated differently because of his disability, he tries to use certain situations as opportunities to help people better understand his condition.

“I am glad to spread insight to others about how cerebral palsy affects me,” Teddy said. “I know that there is nothing I can do to change the fact that I was born with cerebral palsy. I know there are things that I cannot participate in, like sports, but I try and make the most of the things I can do.”

That mindset has helped Teddy grow throughout high school. At Clear Horizons, he discovered that he was capable of handling college-level coursework while still in high school.

“The experience helped me become more confident academically and personally, while also connecting me with classmates from many different backgrounds,” Teddy said.

This year, his academics were pushed even further as Teddy became a Superintendent Scholar for the first time, an accomplishment that reminded him of what is possible when he believes in himself and puts in the work. Superintendent Scholars must maintain at least a 95 average in regular courses and an 85 average in advanced courses throughout the school year.

“This achievement means that I can accomplish my goals and dreams if I believe in myself and put in the time and effort,” Teddy said.

Those around Teddy describe him as positive, kind and respectful to everyone. For him, that mindset comes from treating others the way he hopes to be treated.

“When one person is positive, kind and respectful to another, it could change the other person’s day from being bad to being good,” Teddy said.

One person who has had a major impact on Teddy’s high school journey is family friend Spencer Smith, who served as his mentor during his junior and senior years through the Independent Study Mentorship program at Clear Horizons. He introduced Teddy to stock investing and later helped him learn how to track business operations through QuickBooks. That mentorship helped Teddy explore accounting, the field he now plans to pursue in college.

After graduation, Teddy will attend the University of Houston-Clear Lake to pursue a degree in Professional Accounting. He will leave Clear Horizons having earned an associate degree and gained experience completing college-level courses before officially beginning his next chapter.

For students facing obstacles or starting over somewhere new, Teddy hopes they remember they are not alone. Looking back, Teddy sees change as something that can lead to unexpected opportunities.

“I would tell the student that they can overcome most things to pursue their dreams,” Teddy said. “The obstacles might bring unique opportunities and things they might not have even imagined to change their futures for the better.”