Speaking up: Firelands grad overcomes anxiety disorder called selective mutism

CAMDEN TWP. — When Savanah Murray was in preschool, she couldn't talk to anyone but close family members. In grade school, she could only whisper to a few teachers. It wasn't shyness. Murray, a resident of Camden Township, has had to work her entire life to overcome an anxiety disorder called selective mutism, which prevents people from being able to speak in social situations that might not give others any trouble at all. "It was very hard for my first few years, and the last couple as well," she said, getting ready Tuesday to receive her diploma and graduate from Firelands High School. Jennifer Murray said her daughter now has completely overcome selective mutism, and credits the Firelands Schools with helping. As a freshman, Savanah went to staff at the high school armed with a plan: She wanted to read the announcements over the speakers. The idea was that she could have her voice heard without all eyes on her. "She was bold and wanted a breakthrough," Jennifer said. Savanah started by reading birthdays, and made a breakthrough. After that, she started speaking in school and found it easier to make friends. Savanah was 4 when she first realized she didn't talk like other kids. She said trying brought on an intense fear of being judged, a fear so deep that she felt frozen. Speaking was the problem, not being out in public. A dancer since age 5, she felt fine performing in front of hundreds of people each year at the Lorain Palace Theater. By third grade, teachers questioned why Savanah wouldn't read aloud. Two years later, she started receiving special services at school, and her mother said Firelands teachers learned how to help. "That was a good thing, because it was definitely about a support system. We couldn't have done it alone," Jennifer Murray said. She especially credits intervention specialist Tony Reaser with making a difference in Savanah's life. "It was unbelievable how much he stuck with her, by her side, and was there for her every day," she said. "He was what she needed all along." Savanah said her faith also helped her cope with the anxiety disorder. "There were a few times I was so sad I just started praying to have a better school year," she said. As Savanah made progress, she was determined to raise awareness of selective mutism and help others. She ran campaigns like "blue-out" days to teach others about the disorder. "She wants kids to not be held back like her," Jennifer said. "She really wants other people to get better. She doesn't want anyone to be held back." Savanah also grew through 4-H, National Honor Society and classes at Lorain County Community College. She plans to continue her studies there in the fall, with the goal of earning a meteorology degree from the Ohio State University. Tornadoes are "fascinating to watch" and thunderstorms are oddly calming, the 18-year-old said. Contact Jason Hawk at (440) 329-7122 or news@lcnewspapers.com.