Stillwater grad overcomes leaning challenges to pursue marine science at Cornell

Having a learning challenge like dyslexia or ADHD does not hinder your chances of getting into

an Ivy League school. Xavier Cunningham has managed both and is also heading into his

sophomore year at Cornell University, which averages an 8% acceptance rate.

“We know it is ten times harder for him to get where he’s at,” said Andrea Cunningham,

Xavier’s mom. Xavier is a 2024 graduate of Stillwater Area High School, where he managed a 3.9

unweighted grade point average despite his challenges.

“Dyslexia affects my ability to read,” Xavier said. “I will sometimes read over sentences or

misconstrue them, and it affects my ability to write and spell.”

Xavier was also diagnosed with ADHD, and his parents, Andrea and Bobby Cunningham, would

learn that Xavier had another classification. “He was gifted and talented,” said Andrea. “His

testing markers were really, really high.” Andrea was speaking of Xavier’s results after he

finished the Woodcock-Johnson IQ exam and FastBridge assessments in sixth grade.

The challenge would be finding ways to keep Xavier’s dyslexia and ADHD from inhibiting his

incredible abilities.

“He can be super focused and locked in easily on things he likes, which are math and science,”

Andrea explained. “But Xavier’s ADHD makes it easy for him to be distracted.” If a class

required note-taking or assigned homework or any other organizational skills, Xavier struggled.

It became clear to Xavier’s parents that they had to do their own homework. “It’s frustrating

because you see other kids move through the system and use the services available, and you

know they won’t work for your kid,” said Bobby.

Xavier’s parents tapped into several resources in Washington County, including the PACER

Center, which helped them understand the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Xavier

and to advocate for accommodations.

Andrea and Bobby learned how to tap into the community to give Xavier the resources and

support he needed to excel and excel he did. Xavier’s ACT was a perfect example. Because of

his learning disabilities, Xavier qualified for National Extended Time. He ended up scoring 34

out of 36 on the ACT.

“I remember seeing his score and thinking, this kid might go Ivy,” Bobby said.

And that’s exactly what Xavier did. But it wasn’t all about grades, as Xavier’s extracurricular

activities and interests played a big role setting his application to Cornell University apart from

others. Xavier has a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, can play 11 instruments, including

the viola, which he plays in the Cornell Orchestra. He has even composed and arranged more

than 50 pieces. Xavier also placed fourth in the state for the Science Bowl. He was a member of

the National Honor Society, a member of Black in Marine Science, and a Marine Plastics

Ambassador. Xavier even worked as a water and plastics ambassador for Earthecho

International, where he learned how to write grants to support environmental campaigns. “I

advocate for the removal of plastics from the environment and lead activism around plastics in

marine environments,” Xavier said.

Through his Black in Marine Science videos on YouTube, campaigns, and volunteering to

monitor local water for algae blooms, Xavier’s passion and purpose became clear as he goes

back to Cornell this fall for his sophomore year. Xavier’s goal is to finish his undergraduate

degree in environmental science and data science with a concentration in marine biology, and

pursue a PHD in marine science. “My research goal is to study octopus neurology,” Xavier

explained. “I want to find the origins of intelligence to cure diseases like dementia.”

Xavier’s grandfather was diagnosed with dementia, a reason for his desire to research potential

cures. His mom and dad are not surprised at the goals Xavier sets for himself. They are also

proud of how he has navigated his first year. When thinking about other parents in their same

shoes and unsure how to navigate, Andrea said you have to tap into the village and hone in on

that talent.

“Understanding what can give him confidence,” said Andrea. That was half the battle, making

sure he knew he was smart and not to let anyone tell him any different.”