MSMHS’s Abigail Faulkner Turns Challenges into Purpose

This post was inspired by an article written by Kimberly Drelich for The Day, published May 21, 2026, as part of a series highlighting outstanding students who have received special education services.

 When Abigail Faulkner walks across the graduation stage at Marine Science Magnet High School (MSMHS) this spring, she’ll be wearing an extra cord recognizing her commitment to community service. For those who know her, it represents something even bigger: four years of hard work, self-advocacy, and an unshakable belief in showing up as her authentic self.

A Future Built on Helping Others

This fall, Abigail heads to the University of Connecticut to study biomedical engineering, with a goal of making prosthetics more responsive and affordable for people with physical disabilities. She’s particularly drawn to a new type of prosthetic that interfaces with a person’s neurons – and she wants to help make that technology accessible to those who need it most. She also has her eye on NASA, inspired by her grandfather, who helped design the heating and cooling system for the space suits worn during the Apollo 11 mission.

Turning Dyslexia into a Superpower

Diagnosed with dyslexia, Abigail talks about it openly – not because she has to, but because she wants to help others understand it better.

“I still want to learn. I’m still an intelligent human being. Dyslexia is not something that is a complete block-off from learning.”

After graduating from a program through Waterford Public Schools designed for students with dyslexia, Abigail arrived at MSMHS and never looked back. She has been on the honor roll all four years, takes AP and UConn courses, and has built what she describes as “a healthy relationship” with her learning difference – thanks in large part to the support of her teachers and her own fierce determination.

Her father, Christopher Faulkner, put it simply: “She advocated for herself and found a way to succeed.”

A Leader On and Off Campus

Abigail is co-president of the student council, a National Honor Society member, a volunteer at Mystic Seaport Museum, a participant in the KnowtheOds anti-gambling campaign, and a peer tutor. MSMHS Principal Tara Amatrudo summed up what so many feel about her:

“Witnessing Abby’s genuine kindness toward everyone she meets evolve into a passion for advocacy and servant leadership has been truly exceptional. We need more people like Abby in this world.”

Abigail, the entire LEARN community is cheering you on. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Abigail Faulkner is a senior at Marine Science Magnet High School, part of LEARN’s Family of Schools. To learn more, visit chooselearnschools.org.