HPU Students Co-Host Special Populations Halloween Event
From left are HPU students Alyssa Peters, Kaylee Briggs, Bailey Taylor, Morgan Stevens, Keturah Dombrosky and Julie Bugg.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Oct. 27, 2023 – High Point University students and High Point Parks and Recreation’s ASPIRE (Adaptive Sports, Programs and Inclusive Recreation) program hosted a Special Populations Halloween Dance and Trunk or Treat on Oct. 24 at the Miracle League of High Point Field.
Each year, HPU’s Student Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) works with ASPIRE to organize the event for community members with intellectual or physical disabilities to dress up in costumes, dance and enjoy games, crafts and food in Halloween-themed areas. Approximately 150 participants normally join the event, said Stephanie Hedgecock, ASPIRE program coordinator.
“It is important for us to partner with HPU on these events because we are one community and it pulls in the inclusion piece for our participants,” said Hedgecock.
The annual Halloween dance is a way for HPU students to connect with, develop friendships and support individuals in the High Point community. The CEC consists of majors from across campus with a common interest in promoting awareness and providing support for individuals with disabilities. The student organization has hosted this event and others like it for more than 17 years.
Sarah Geller, a junior special education major and theater minor from Weston, Florida, said she is honored to lead CEC alongside her co-president Claire Cassell.
“Special Pops dances bind the community of High Point together with the surrounding community through laughter, dancing and arts and crafts,” said Geller. “These dances allow students the opportunity to volunteer and work on something bigger than themselves.”
Julia Ravega, a freshman psychology major from Los Angeles, California, said she was happy to be involved with the CEC. She serves as co-chair of Special Pops.
“Dealing with planning, contacts, organizing and decorating is such a fun way to reach these extraordinary kids,” said Ravega. “CEC is important because it gives these kids something to look forward to, and it also gets those of us involved in CEC a wonderful community of likeminded people.”
The CEC will host two more dances for individuals with disabilities this winter. The Christmas and Valentine’s Day dances will include similar activities for the community to enjoy.