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Life Skills students teach valuable lessons

I had the privilege to attend the graduation celebration for the Altoona Area High School Life Skills students.

Having become friendly with one of the families and participants through Miracle League, I was invited and attended mainly to show admiration and support for the students and give a small token to my graduating friend.

But as it turns out, I was the one receiving a gift.

Being in the presence of these genuinely proud graduates, their peers, student volunteers, amazingly supportive staff and top-notch entertainment by the students in the AAHS Jazz Band, made for a party atmosphere that was unrivaled.

All of these students were dancing, and it didn’t matter how or with whom. They were dancing. Boys with girls, girls with girls, boys with boys, teachers and student volunteers with groups, and even some dancing by themselves.

Joy was the theme.

There was no snickering, no stereotypical clicks, no divided groups, no outcasts. No one was left out. Some dressed up. Some not. But they all knew they earned the privilege to be there.

“Caps” off to these graduates and their classmates and volunteers. Hats off to the incredibly talented and dedicated group of educators and aides including Secondary Learning Support Department Chair work Coordinator John Allander, Life Skills support Amy Brisbin and Adam Mathias, autistic support Travis Young and multi-disabled support Marty Murray.

I am sure there are many more on board that make the program work.

These professionals were not only circulating, chatting and dancing with the students, but freely giving pats on the backs and hugs to students and their families.

How great to see such a bond between educators and students. Credit given where credit was due.

It would be a gift to anyone to share in this experience. I hope the members of our school board are aware of the reach of this program – it was a pleasure to see our assistant superintendent Luke Lansberry there – and if not, make it a point to visit.

And, I would love to see our high school expand its student volunteer network, for I believe that this program not only addresses needs for special education Life Skills students, but can provide meaningful lessons in life for anyone who involves themselves.

Tobi Sky Rispoli

Altoona

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