The Foreign Service Journal, June 2011

96 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J U N E 2 0 1 1 S CHOOLS S UPPLEMENT academic journey included schools at posts in Africa and the Middle East, where he received special needs sup- plemental support, before opting for a residential school in 2008. We met Matt’s parents electronically and have communicated over the years about educational opportunities for our chil- dren. It was Matt who led the way for our FS kids at Riverview, his family sharing his successes at the school with us online. Brandon enrolled the next year and the two enjoyed the 2009-2010 school year together there, graduating in June 2010 from the equivalent of 12th grade. Rather than the typical high school diploma, theirs say “Certificate of Completion” — for accomplishing a desired level of aca- demic success before moving on to pursue educational goals that include vocational studies and adult life skills. Audrey Hall, 18 years old, and the daughter of FS direct hires David and Loretta Hall, is new to Riverview this year. Born in Russia, where the Hall family adopted her when she was 6 years old, Audrey had to learn English, as well as a whole new cul- ture and lifestyle; and the Halls soon discovered that she had learning dis- abilities that would complicate the process. We met the family when we were both posted in Germany. Loretta, not Audrey had to learn English, as well as a whole new culture and lifestyle; and she had learning disabilities that would complicate the process.