NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – A Newport News teacher is playing a vital role in her own community, helping to shape the next generation of children.
But not only is she doing that, she’s also sharing her unbreakable spirit.
In a classroom full of eager, energetic first graders, Stephanie Williams is a voice of calm. With a quiet command of her classroom, Williams teaches reading, writing and more.
“It’s very rewarding,” said Williams.
She’s also doing it all while in a wheelchair.
“There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not hurting,” Williams said. “All of my muscles, my ligaments, everything is affected, so I hurt all the time.”
Williams was born with ostegenesis imperfecta, a brittle bone disease.
“I’ve had about 500 broken bones,’ Williams said. “I have tried to not let that stop me. I’ve had lots and lots…