HENRY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Susan Burton
Communications Director
Paris, TN - Talk about a wonderful day of friendship and fun! The third annual Hawaiian themed Patriot Gala was held at the First United Methodist Church and led by Henry County High School teacher Melissa Berry and the high school special education team. The team boasts another successful event filled with activities and opportunities for students with special needs to learn social skills to increase their employability skills.
Berry says it’s a great day for learning soft skills which are so important for employability. HCHS regular education students who are peer tutors and Best Buddies also attended. Ali Ridgeway and Emma Grace Dotson, who are leaders in the Best Buddies program, shared how much fun they were having with their Buddies as they danced, talked, and socialized with their HCHS friends and some new friends from Camden High School's special education program, who traveled here today for the gala.
Jacob Davis is a peer tutor and spends a class period aiding teachers and helping his peer, Carter Thomas. They enjoy completing word searches together and Thomas has also overcome a fear of stairs when he is on his recycling route. “He’s a good helper,” says Thomas of his peer tutor. “He helps me with the stairs.” With the support of his peer tutor and Best Buddies, he has gained confidence to do things he hasn't done before on his own.
Berry is thankful for Henry County employers and civic organizations and their willingness to help her program through volunteering and monetary donations. “I’ve worked 29 years in special education and have never been in a community like this, so willing to help us with what we need.” Berry says the community raised over $8,000 for the gala which helped pay for t-shirts for the students and staff, decorations, food, and travel.