Crystal Crest winner Armand Berry was inspired to inspire others.

Ogden High School physical education teacher and baseball coach Troy Kolan treated Armand Berry and his twin brother, Antonio, differently than some K–12 teachers had in the past. 

“He treated us like we were normal,” Armand said.

Armand and Antonio were born premature and are shaken baby syndrome survivors. The brothers’ retinas were damaged when they were shaken as infants, and, as a result, they are both legally blind. Armand also has multiple sclerosis, and Antonio was recently diagnosed with cancer. 

Armand said Kolan inspired him and Antonio, a WSU family studies major, to stay active and get involved in sports, despite their physical limitations. 

Armand, a WSU physical education major with minors in sport coaching education, family studies and health promotion teaching, hopes to emulate Kolan in his career. As the 2020 Crystal Crest Awards winner for Wildcat Achievement, he has already inspired the Weber State community with his story.

While Armand said he has benefitted from accommodations from WSU faculty and Disability Services staff, college has been difficult.

“Walking around, it’s a struggle,” he said. “Sometimes, my hands lose their feeling, so I can’t grip onto a pen to write.”

It will all be worth it, though, when he’s able to pay it forward by inspiring children with disabilities to strive for success.

Armand has a nearly perfect GPA and has participated in Weber State’s Child & Family Student Association, Future Educators Association, First Generation Club and anthropology and sociology clubs. He is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and volunteers at the Treehouse Museum.

“Hopefully, I can take everything I have learned and give it back to future generations,” he said. “Kids don’t need more authority figures; they need someone who’s going to be there.”

Armand plans to graduate in 2022. Until then, he will learn as much as he can to one day help as many kids as possible.

“I’m really glad I’ve had the professors I’ve had,” he said. “I’m thankful for the inspiration and the mentorship."