“I am brave; I am bruised; I am who I’m meant to be, this is me.”
These lyrics from the Oscar-nominated film “The Greatest Showman” boomed through the Branham High School gymnasium on December 14, 2018, as more than 300 students with disabilities attended a Winter Wonderland Dance.
The event, held by the Branham High School Special Education Department, brought together students from ten different schools across CUHSD and the South Bay. It was made possible due to parent and community donations. The event offers an opportunity for these students to make connections and participate in school activities in a fun, unique way.
“It makes students feel better about the world,” said Branham High School special education teacher Elizabeth Wilson when talking about the Best Buddies Club, which helped facilitate the event. “It’s all about pure love, fun and friendships.”
The club helps CUHSD schools achieve the District’s mission to make our schools a place where students are safe, support and valued. The purpose of the Best Buddies club is to provide an opportunity to help bridge the gap between general education students and students with disabilities.
“I feel like this club changed my life in a way,” said Branham High School student Danica Cho. “You don’t meet the kind of people you meet in this program anywhere else. Everyone is so inclusive and welcoming.”
The Branham Best Buddies Club will also host a prom for students with disabilities on March 9. For more information, click here.