Special students, teachers, administrators and community members are helping the Woonsocket Education Department to provide some very special educational opportunities for students and teachers. We examine students who are helping to gain community awareness and teacher professional development for Autism and a committee of educators, parents and community members that are creating an impressive boundless playground that will provide academic benefits as well as enjoyment for the students of Woonsocket in our future.
Fun was had by all at the Woonsocket High School Music Department Autism Benefit. It proved to be a stellar event. Over 30 gift baskets were raffled off. A silent auction took place with items including celebrity autographs, a jersey signed by all of the Colorado Rockies professional hockey team, Microsoft software, and a complete computer system. Performances from local celebrities included Louise Tetrault and the Woonsocket School Committee Member Linda Majewski. Student group performances included the Woonsocket High School Jazz band, Percussion Ensemble, Chorus, and Select Chorus.
Historically, people typically give back to their schools and community after they graduate from high school. At Woonsocket High School, we have three very special students who are giving back to the school before they graduate. Adam Brunetti, Richard Gramstorf, and Jamel Williams. When asked why they began this quest and they were all very passionate in their responses.
Adam relayed his story about challenges he had encountered in earlier grades but how that changed at Woonsocket High School. The combination of some teachers who understood autism and outstanding support services including Dr. Sullivan, administrator, Ms. Cohagen, WHS guidance councilor, and the school nurses. All of these educators helped to make smooth transition to Woonsocket High School for him. He feels lucky that he met these teachers and councilors at the high school because when he was younger, there was less of an awareness of autism. He said it was a different feeling in high school. Adam also identified that the outstanding Music and Drama programs we provide helped him to enjoy school more and ultimately helped him become more academically successful over all. These teachers, councilors, and administrators had the knowledge about Autism and as a result helped him make his high school years wonderful. Adam's favorite quote is "knowledge is power and ignorance is intolerable." That is why he is on a quest to raise money for the RI Autism Project.
Richard Gramsdorf said that this event helped to make him feel like he contributed to a cause that is a community need. He wants to positively contribute to his community and he is starting now! Ricky told me of a story that happened in his sixth grade class. He said that his sixth grade teacher must have known about autism because of how she taught him and his classmates. They had a new student in their class who was diagnosed with autism and she not only helped the new child transition to the new classroom, but she taught Ricky and the other children how to respect each other's differences. Ricky was quick to point out that many people with autism are gifted academically but have challenges with socialization. He said "There is always a price with a gift."
Jamel Williamson recognizes that autism is the fastest growing medical diagnosis. One out of every 98 boys born has some form of autism. He has always felt it is important to "help the community, help the world and help our schools." He will be attending Johnson and Wales next year but he wants to come back and make this event bigger each year. He will be studying bakery and pastry arts and hopes to be the first musical chef. He is hoping that with earlier promotion, they may be able to fill the Stadium Theatre next year!
This group of students created a team name for the Autism Imagine Walk. They will be "The Musical Notes." They hope to raise over $10,000. The RI Autism Project will provide 30 teachers with a ten week training about students with autism for free if they can raise that amount. Any funds raised at this the Woonsocket High School Autism Benefit will be combined with the funds that they will raise at the Imagine Walk Benefit.
Adam's mom, Mrs. Brunetti, should also be commended for all of the work that she has put into this effort. She personally worked with the principals and community members to arrange all of the donations that will be raffled or auctioned off to increase the fundraising. She is also very passionate about the need for parents and the public to learn more about Autism.
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