Mr. Maroo Challenge

Principal+Sandy+Compian%2C+Governor+Greg+Abbott%2C+and+Barbara+Hadley+congratulate+senior+Archer+Hadley+during+the+debut+of+the+automatic+doors+with+a+special+poster.

Ellie Breed

Principal Sandy Compian, Governor Greg Abbott, and Barbara Hadley congratulate senior Archer Hadley during the debut of the automatic doors with a special poster.

The new wheelchair-accessible doors were unveiled the first day back from winter break in a ceremony attended by Governor Greg Abbott, Superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz, and students and faculty.
“We felt this was a win-win opportunity for Governor Abbott and Archer,” parent Barbara Hadley said. “I will say that having him at the event was tremendous.  He was genuine.  He was humble, praised Archer and motivated students and Texans.”
The ceremony celebrated senior Archer Hadley’s wheelchair challenge, where students were able to challenge their peers to spend a day in a wheelchair for $20. They could take the challenge or opt out for an additional $20. The purpose of the challenge was to raise $40,000 to fund the automatic doors, though Hadley more than doubled his goal by earning $87,000. The extra money will allow additional upgrades to the school including a total of five automatic doors, and a roof and platform ramp on the third floor.
“His project was so inspirational,” English teacher Jessica Mitchell said. “The fact he doubled his goal allows us to see that we can put ourselves out there and be successful beyond what we can imagine.”
Dr. Cruz also recognized Hadley’s accomplishments of setting and reaching his goals.
“Archer demonstrated the leadership and drive that’s necessary when you want to get something done. I’m so proud,” Cruz said. “[His] story is a positive one that must be told.”
Capstone classmates also acknowledged the entire process Hadley went through in order to reach what some thought of as an unreachable goal.
“I had Archer in my Capstone class last semester so it was actually pretty cool to see his ideas come to fruition,” senior Sierra Bligh said. “When he first pitched his plan I thought it was an interesting project that would benefit a lot of people.”
Standing in the way of Hadley was the cost of installing the wheelchair-accessible doors.
“I was worried that he’d ultimately be disappointed, it just seemed like a huge goal,” Bligh said. “But his wheelchair challenge was a great idea and the participation made me realize that he might actually be able to get the necessary funds.”
The Hadley family’s one concern though wasn’t the money, but getting the district to approve the project after the funds had been met.
“On that day I called the Head of Construction at AISD and told him about Archer’s idea,” Hadley said. “He said he would have to do some investigating to see if he would be allowed to do this.”
Another roadblock for the Hadleys was keeping in contact with AISD.
“For two months we called and called. Archer called more than I did and got no return phone call.  They did not believe that Archer was going to do what he said he was going to do,” Hadley said.
Hadley managed to face these challenges and he even exceeded them.
“The donations really made the difference and now he has a surplus of money to enhance other aspects of our campus. I think he did a great job on his project and it really shows what anyone can achieve with his amount of dedication,” Bligh said.
Since the new doors have been installed, questions have been raised as to accessibility throughout the district.
“Our principals and facilities staff conduct campus walkthroughs to address issues regarding campus accessibility,” Cruz said. “I encourage our students, staff, and parents to engage in this effort as well.”
January 5 is now a dedicated day to Archer Hadley, known as the Archer’s Way Day.
“He is a true testament to the proverb, where there is a will, there is a way,” Principal Sandy Compian said.
Overall the Hadleys hope to have inspired other students.
“Archer’s goal was to raise enough money for the doors.  Once he met that goal he knew the ultimate goal was to motivate others and be an example of what is possible,” Hadley said. “Ms. Compian told me and Archer that ‘he is the Champion for Change.’ Any student can be that if they put forth the work.”