The following is a submission from SMMUSD. Photo: Lee with his principals, Lee with Christian Fuhrer and Dr. Martha Chacon.
John Adams Middle School (JAMS) student Andrew Lee has been selected as the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 14 honoree for the 2025-26 Every Student Succeeding Award. The
distinction celebrates students who have overcome serious challenges and continue to thrive through determination and resilience.
Lee, a former Grant Elementary School student, has faced medical and developmental obstacles since birth. He was born with CHARGE Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects multiple body systems. His early
years included open heart surgery on the day he was born, long periods of hospitalization, reliance on a feeding tube and support from a broad team of specialists and therapists. Lee worked steadily to meet each milestone and built a strong foundation for success in school and in the community.
Throughout his education, Lee has taken an active role in educating others about accessibility and inclusion. Beginning in first grade, he presented to classmates about his cochlear implants and his experiences with hearing loss. His outreach expanded in later years to include presentations to high school students who are enrolled in programs for students with diverse abilities and delivering remarks before the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education. Alongside his service dog, Django, he has also taught his peers about the purpose of service animals and their importance in supporting individuals with disabilities.
At JAMS, Lee thrives in general education classes and is an engaged member of his campus community. He has contributed to the JAMS Journal student newspaper, volunteered his time and allowance to support animal organizations, participated in school jogathons and taken part in therapeutic and outreach programs such as Ahead With Horses and Canine Companions. His teachers describe him as a student whose positive attitude and work ethic inspire those around him.
“This recognition means a lot to me. It means that my years of hard work have finally paid off,” said Lee.
Lee was honored during the ACSA Every Student Succeeding Awards ceremony held Dec. 2 at El Camino College in Torrance, California.
For more information about the award or student recognition programs, visit www.acsa.org.
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