Disabled students celebrate at special class reunion
– A group of Paso Robles High School alumni from the Severely Handicapped Special Day Class Program held a special reunion party at Manny’s Pizza Grill at Paso Bowl last Sunday from 1-4 p.m.
All former students having completed the special program were invited. Students who graduated as far back as 18 years ago attended. Former staff – aides, speech therapists, psychologists, etc. were also invited.
“We mainly ate pizza, sang karaoke and danced,” said Christian Emmons, who has been the program teacher since 1997.
Christian Emmons and Joey Lerda.
“To the best of my knowledge, this event is the first of its kind in the county for this special population of former students,” said Emmons. “It was the brain child of former student, Joey Lerda, who went through the program in the mid to late 90s. He called me this past summer and said, ‘Chris, I have never gone to a class reunion. Let’s plan one soon!’ So that is what he did with a little help from me.”
Emmons said that plan is to continue to do this one time per year. “Hopefully, the word will spread and we will get many more of our former students to attend in the future.”
Aide Doris Vermy, with students, Stephanie Turney and Elizabeth Hall.
Wow! What a great idea! Hopefully it will be a regular event.
Wow! What a great idea! Hopefully it will be a regular event.