Special Needs for Special Friends

Special education students gain support from SEHS and South Gate to compete in the 2011 Special Olympics.

South East’s special education students planned to participate in the Special Olympics at the beginning of this year. An inadequate amount of funding for their team uniforms and transportation almost took their opportunity away from them. Ms. Chavez, leader of the drama department, created a benefit show when she learned about the insufficient funds. The money that was collected gave the special needs students the opportunity to participate in southern California’s Special Olympics.
Ms. Chavez was distraught when she discovered that the special education students did not have sufficient funds to compete in the track and field meets and competitions. “I was in the office when a faculty member walked in during a meeting. I remember she was [stressed] because she found out the school did not have enough money to send our special education students to the track and field competitions,” recalled Chavez.
Instantly, she began planning a fundraiser to collect money for the group of students. She had only one week to overcome the sudden “hurdle.” “This is [something that] is close to my heart,” said Chavez. As a means to facilitate the dilemma, she created the show, “Special Needs for Special Friends” with the choir and band classes.
In the show, theatre students, choir, and our band performed the highlights of last year’s performances. The show premiered in January of 2010 and it raised a large amount of money --an estimated $1,300-- for the special needs students, who were ultimately able to compete in their first Special Olympics while “proudly wearing the school colors,” said Chavez.
Due to personal matters, Ms. Chavez is impassionate and caring for kids with special needs. “They’re totally wonderful. They need people to appreciate them as much as they appreciate others.”
And appreciated they are. Vice Mayor of South Gate, Mrs. Maria Davila, recognized and is very supportive of the benefit show “Special Needs for Special Friends.” She will help by providing Chavez with South Gate’s city auditorium, meaning more available seats will be sold.
Davila will also help Chavez advertise the show in South Gate’s business letters and marquee. More money will be provided to the deserving students at South East High. The 2nd annual “Special Needs for Special Friends” will showcase on January 27, 2011 at 6 p.m. Tickets will be sold for $8, with donations welcome. Every penny earned will go to the South East Special Olympians.