On April 25 and 26, Pleasant Valley High School will present a production of “Anastasia” through the Spartan Spotlighters program. The program features students with special needs and gives them the opportunity to perform with extra support. Student mentors are assigned to each artist and they are able to help and get to know one another.
Participting in mentoring opportunities allows students to grow and learn in ways that aren’t always provided in the classroom. “Being a mentor has taught me a ton of things. I think the biggest thing is that all of the artists in spotlighters are so talented and we should never treat any person that may have a disability any differently. These artists are so wonderful at what they do, and seeing them thrive on stage warms my heart,” shared sophomore Elise Hiatt.
In the Spotlighters Program, mentors are able to share their passion of acting with those who need extra support. Meanwhile, artists are able to learn social skills, become more comfortable in new situations and create lasting relationships with peers. The program gives students time to develop and learn together.
Developing relationships with peers who are of differing abilities is key to the creation of a welcoming and positive society. Participating in mentoring programs and opportunities in high school is a way that kids and teenagers can have this experience with support.
Another mentoring program PVHS offers is Sparkles Cheerleading. Similar to the Spotlighters Program, students with special needs are paired with a mentor and they work together to perform, cheering for various sporting and community events. “In Sparkles she’s included, looked at and spoken to. She is part of the fun, not made fun of. She isn’t a problem – others find joy in finding unique ways to include her and make things work for her,” shared Maren Layton, mother of Sparkles cheer member Leah Layton.
When students have the opportunity to get to know all types of people, they develop crucial life skills including communication, inclusivity and kindness. These are traits that help build positive communities and result in a better functioning society. “Mentors learn inclusivity, kindness and empathy through working with individuals with extended or exceptional needs,” said Hailey Dyer, mentor in the Sparkles program. “Meanwhile, mentees develop genuine friendships, learn kindness and practice social skills.”
The relationships created through volunteer mentoring programs enhance the lives of all parties involved. Learning the skills of friendship and selflessness will help in other areas of children’s lives.
Further, all people deserve the chance to create friendships and participate in activities they are passionate about. If this means they need more support or mentoring, then they should be given the support they need. Regardless of their needs or struggles, all people have feelings and deserve kindness, inclusion and love. “I think it is so important for everyone to realize that these artists really aren’t much different than the rest of us and they just want to be included and to be able to talk to people and I am so glad that I can be one of those people that they can talk to,” concluded Hiatt.
