More than focusing on a certain condition, the annual autism awareness walk at Shoemaker High School is a celebration of unity and togetherness.
On Friday morning, beneath cloudy skies, a large group of students, staff and guests assembled at one end of the track at the Shoemaker High School stadium, where event coordinator Letha Reeves, parent liaison at the school, huddled everyone together.
Growing emotional, Reeves thanked the student groups and school administration for supporting the event, something she described as a picture of inclusion and the closeknit Shoemaker family.
She recognized Principal Mary Lynn Gawryszewski, along with former Shoemaker principals, Executive Director for Athletics Latisha Williams and Executive Director for Student Success Micah Wells.
Superintendent Jo Ann Fey also joined the walk. She praised Reeves and school administrators for celebrating students.
Guests tied to special education programs at Audie Murphy Middle School and Chaparral High School also participated.
Coach Cion Hicks, a Shoemaker graduate, led the group in the Shoemaker chant just before participants began the four-lap walk.
No one explained the power and purpose of the awareness event better than a pair of seniors involved in organizing it and serving as partners escorting special education students.
“We do a walk to be able to unite each other,” said senior Class President Sonarrah Johnson. “I think there’s a stigma that we’re separate from each other, but really, we’re all the same. This walk reminds us that with everything we do, it’s together.”
It gets emotional, she said, because it’s a gathering of friends.
“We like to incorporate a lot of the groups together,” she said. “We have a great sense of community here. The staff and students are very supportive.”
Senior Zulyned De Leon, Student Council President, said the walk is an act of love.
“Mrs. Reeves is so enthusiastic. She wants everyone to be included. No one is different than each other. Everyone can do this and be seen,” she said.
“It brings us together. Getting to partner with someone, we meet new people and other schools come in. We can show that we care.”
Photo Gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720325513493/
