Halloween Celebration : In an extraordinary display of unity and compassion, dozens of special needs classes in the South Bay came together to celebrate Halloween in a truly remarkable way.
A dedicated special education teacher, along with his eight students, extended a warm welcome to 20 other classes from his school district, inviting them to a spooktacular Halloween dance. For many of the students, this dance marked their very first opportunity to partake in such a joyous event. The gymnasium at LeyVa Middle School was transformed as a vibrant parade of students in colorful costumes took center stage.
The enthusiasm wasn’t confined to the students alone; parents shared in the excitement, basking in the sheer delight of watching their children have an unforgettable time. It’s a rare occurrence for students with special needs to participate in school events, but this Halloween celebration shattered that norm.
One parent, Karen Rodezno, shared her joy, saying, “He’s 16. All my life, I’ve fought for his inclusion in various activities like sports. Sadly, children with special needs are often left out. This event is a reason to celebrate because they finally get to enjoy it.”
Also Read: High Tech License Plate Readers the Crime-Fighting Miracle They Claim to Be?
The driving force behind this heartwarming event was the indefatigable special education teacher, Rolly Vital. Last year, he organized a Halloween Dance for his eight special needs students, and this year, he decided to take it a step further. With the approval of the entire Evergreen School District, the event grew from six classes to an astounding 20.
What’s even more remarkable is that this celebration is entirely funded by donations. A week before the dance, Mr. Vital set out to raise $5,000 for the event. After a heartfelt story about their cause, a supportive community rallied together, surpassing their financial goal. These generous contributions made it possible to provide bus transportation for the students, hire a DJ, arrange for prizes, and add many more special touches to the event.
As the Halloween event unfolded, families expressed their hope that it would serve as a beacon of possibility for others. Parent Claudia Lopez shared her optimism, saying, “I’m hoping that this marks the beginning of a new era where kids with special needs can be an integral part of these events in the future.”
For now, Mr. Vital assures everyone that this heartwarming event will be back next year, offering a chance for more students to experience the magic of Halloween in an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
Our Reader’s Queries
What does Halloween celebrate about?
The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was a pagan religious celebration to mark the end of summer and welcome the harvest. During this festival, people would light bonfires and dress up in costumes to protect themselves from ghosts. The word Samhain is pronounced as SAH-win in Gaelic.
Why is October 31 called All Hallows Eve?
Pope Gregory III established Nov. 1 as a day to pay tribute to saints, leading to the creation of All Saints Day. This occasion merged with the Celtic Samhain custom, and the night before Nov. 1 was dubbed All Hallows’ Eve, which later evolved into Halloween.
Why is Halloween on the 31st?
Halloween draws inspiration from the age-old Gaelic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on Nov. 1. However, the festivities would commence on the eve of Oct. 31.
What was Halloween originally called?
Samhain, not Halloween, was the original name for the end of the harvest season celebrated by Celtic farmers. This ancient tradition has been passed down through generations and is still celebrated today.