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It’s been a long road for Montauk resident Kendall Vorpahl, but he’s crossing the finish line in an extra special way.
The 18-year-old graduated from East Hampton High School last Friday with academic honors and as the recipient of the Triple “C” Award from the New York State attorney general’s office, an annual designation that recognizes “courage,” “honor” and “commitment.”
Mr. Vorpahl has overcome a great deal to be able to walk at graduation, as he suffers from Rasmussen’s encephalitis, a rare, chronic inflammatory neurological disease that usually affects only one hemisphere of the brain, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
His mother, Jessica Stainback, said Kendall began having random seizures at 6-and-a-half years old. Kendall would continue to have numerous seizures every day for 10 months. After being at Columbia University Medical Center in Manhattan for many months, Kendall and his mother flew to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. On November 3, 2005, the Cleveland Clinic’s medical team performed a hemispherectomy, which involved removing the entire left side of Kendall’s brain.
But there was no sense of struggle or hurt on the young man when he walked into the East Hampton Press office last Wednesday with his mother and father, Ernie Vorpahl, helping him in. Kendall sat down for an interview with a smile from the first minute to the last, seemingly feeling the anticipation of his impending graduation.
“I feel good, I feel excited,” Kendall said in a soft voice. Asked if he’ll miss any of the nightly grind of homework, his grin spoke volumes.
When he and his mother returned to Montauk in April of 2006, Kendall was faced with the challenge of relearning how to walk, talk, read and write before going back to Montauk School for third grade that September.
Nine grades later Kendall has left a big impact at East Hampton High School, as evidenced from his Triple “C” Award.
“His ability to overcome a disability was unmatched,” East Hampton High School Principal Adam Fine said of Mr. Vorpahl. “At times our society defines individuals with disabilities by their disabilities. This was not the case for Kendall. Kendall never complained about his challenges. He continued to go about his days at the high school like any other student who does not have to surmount tremendous obstacles on a daily basis.”
Kendall said he felt love and appreciation from his peers when he received a standing ovation after being announced as the winner of the Triple “C” Award at a high school assembly.
Kendall parents reflected on his accomplishment.
“He’s the true definition of perseverance,” Ms. Stainback said, sitting next to her son and gazing at him with a warm smile. “He just keeps going no matter what.”
“I’m just happy he’s here,” said Mr. Vorpahl. “The bonus to that and everything has been him winning the Triple ‘C.’”
Kendall’s celebration goes into the summer as he and his family will travel to the Jersey Shore to celebrate his 18th birthday on July 14. He’ll then get to see his favorite band, Pearl Jam, at Fenway Park in Boston on August 5. For the long-term, Kendall said he has big plans.
“I’d like to work for the New York Giants. I’d like to work as an equipment manager,” he said, noting that his favorite football player is wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
As he approached his graduation later that day, Kendall’s mom promised “tears of joy” watching her son touch his diploma for the first time. As for Kendall, he described his reaction with that same smile and two words: “Peace out.”
Jon Winkler on Jun 27, 2016