The Autistic Support and Life Skills Programs at Upper Darby High School held its annual April Showers/Rain Rally Olympics Fundraiser & Awareness Drive on Thursday morning.
Under a brilliant blue sky, students had a chance to run, dance, skip and spin under April showers created by Upper Darby firefighters who donated their time spraying water over the soccer field.
For two hours students celebrated. In addition, the event offered corn hole, beach balls, bubbles and a dance party with pizza and Kona water ice.
It was a picture perfect Thursday in more ways than one for the annual April Showers/Rain Rally Olympics Fundraiser & Awareness Drive at Upper Darby High School. (PETE BANNAN – DAILY TIMES)
Special education teacher Jessica Conley said the event helps provide for the Special Olympics and programming, such as the bocce ball team and events that bring inclusion to the school and the district.
About 200 students took part, including students on the varsity and junior varsity sports teams.
Participants in the event committed to raising at least $40 to go through the water shower in support of Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners.
The goal of the event was to raise $5,000, which with pretzel sales and the Polar Bear Plunge it did, enough for every Special Program student to take part.
Jaxson, 14, enjoyed going through the April Showers. “I liked it but I wouldn’t do it again.” he said. “This school is nice.” (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)
“(The kids) have so much fun. This is the one event they look forward to,” Conley said. “We bring Drexel Hill Middle School Autistic and Life Skills students over so they get to experience it with us. It’s going to be a sloppy mess. They go in and have a good time.”
Jaxson, 14, enjoyed going through the April Showers. “I liked it but I wouldn’t do it again.” he said.
“I just love hanging out with the kids. I love seeing their smiles, seeing them enjoy themselves,” said softball player, senior Gabby Johnston. “It’s unfortunate when they get pushed to the side because of a disability. We need to express that and showcase that, that is who they are.”
Softball senior Gabby Johnston, left, and Fatima head for the April Shower. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)
Upper Darby High School Principal Dr. Craig Parkinson speaks with Super Seniors Christopher Galloway, Justin Smith and Pakeer Rahman while they enjoy water ice at the April Showers event. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)
“It’s a perfect day for it, all the students out here enjoying themselves and engaging with their peers and the teachers. So it’s great,” said Principal Dr. Craig Parkinson. “It’s a special event for the children. I think the most important thing is the smiles on all the faces of the children and the joy of being out here with your friends and having a great time.”
He said the district brings special needs students into daily interactions.
He also noted the district does many things that don’t always get attention but that really make a difference in students’ education. He thanked the teachers, staff and students who made the event possible.
To donate: https://support.specialolympics.org/a/change-a-life-tyler?ms=URL
The Autistic Support and Life Skills Programs at Upper Darby High School on Thursday morning held its annual April Showers/Rain Rally Olympics Fundraiser & Awareness Drive. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)