She is an award-winning journalist. She is a leader in almost everything she does.

She is struggling with a brain disorder.

Senior Bailey DeLaere has epilepsy, a brain condition that causes seizures. Her worst seizures occurred when she was younger, between ages six and eight, and involved pounding headaches and an inability to hear and move, followed by a blackout.

Bailey can experience multiple absence seizures, or “silent seizures” in a day. Her mind checks out and she forgets what is happening. It is rare for someone past the age of 12 to have silent seizures. Bailey still has them at 18.

While Bailey’s epilepsy made her struggle with her sense of self, it’s only made her stronger.

Her condition poses a challenge in school, as it often takes her out of class. When it does, she must teach herself to try to keep up.

Bailey shows dedication in her classes and newspaper is where she shines the most. As a senior, she became Editor-in-Chief (EIC); a position requiring immense focus.

She reads and edits countless stories, almost every day. Although she has her own challenges, Bailey helps every one of the 24 members on her staff who need it.

Her brain disorder doesn’t stop her from being a leader or helping others.

She plans to attend college and pursue journalism in the fall and make it her lifelong career.

She is involved in the classroom and the community.

She serves as a representative in Student Council. She is vice president of Project Outreach.

She is Bailey DeLaere and she doesn’t let epilepsy define her.