Saturday, August 29, 1998
4th-grade train accident victim back in class
By Cathy Willoughby
Staff Writer
All eyes were at the front of the classroom, as Lincoln Elementary teacher Mary Sunderman went over the week's spelling words with her students.
Among the eager young minds was Brandon Lane, the 9-year-old who was critically injured when he was struck by a train March 2 as he was walking home from school. He is back in the regular classroom with his friends.
Other than a a brace on his leg, and some difficulty using his right hand, he has made a rapid and miraculous recovery. He spent a great deal of his summer months preparing for his return to his studies.
''I did a lot of homework at home in the summer,'' Lane said. ''Mrs. Scott tutored me in math, worked with me in science and take-aways. And she made me read an awful lot.''
He also played with his friends, preparing for his return to his favorite sport, soccer. ''I'm playing soccer again this year. There are three teams, blue, red and orange. I'll be starting practices soon.''
He said that what he missed the most about school was seeing his friends, although his family helped him with his recovery. ''My brother encourages me to do stuff right,'' Lane added.
When asked about what his favorite parts of the school day are, he rattles them off, like a typical fourth grader. ''Computer, and then gym, and then music and recess. That's about all,'' he exclaimed.
Sunderman said his parents wish him to do as much as he possibly can on his own. ''He has some help to write. Mrs. Terri Johnston helps him with writing by serving as his scribe, and he is also able to use the computer for writing. For anything else, we are playing it by ear,'' she said.
Lane is glad to be one of the players again, rather than sitting on the sidelines, whether it be in the classroom or on the soccer field.
''I want to be a soccer player when I grow up,'' he said. ''I've always played soccer, even before the accident.''