Graphic made in Canva by Fluco Journalism.

Special education teachers Amy Hill and Nick Ward take a photo under the balloon arch. “Our homecoming is such a special inclusion event for our students to hang out with each other and SGA students for dancing, photos, and fun. It gives our classes time and space to be free and have fun. The best part is sharing in their joy,” said Hill.

Senior Mia Childress poses under the photo arch. SGA students spent the morning decorating the auxiliary gym with lights and balloons, then took turns DJing the music for the “Our Homecoming” dance.

“Decorations were more than just something to look at, creating a safe space for fidgeting and balloon games. These events reach goals beyond the surface,” said Hill.

Freshman Maheer Mobashar enjoys the lights and music while SGA teacher David Small looks on. “The ‘Our Homecoming Dance’ is one of my favorite activities that SGA does during the course of the year,” said Small.

“The dance was so much fun. I loved how interactive our students were and how much fun it was for both SGA and them,” said SGA member and senior Mia Grace Dixon, who helped organize the dance.

Unified is a club that brings students with and without disabilities together to promote inclusion and friendship. The students in the photo above are members of the club. “Our Unified partners are more than partners, they’re good friends and great leaders to our students,” said Ward.