Inclusivity is the word in mind for Becton’s new Unified Club. Run by Mrs. Jessica Ryan and Mrs. Oram, the Unified Club was founded to get Becton’s special education students more involved in school activities. So far, fifteen students are involved, who regularly meet to work on social skills and get to know each other. At this moment they are a club of their own, consisting of the two advisors and their special education classes. However, the club was formed to bridge any gap between the special education students and their particiaption in the other clubs at Becton.
The Unified Club recently hosted a “Friendsgiving” with Becton’s administration and staff in the conference room, and the students loved it! However, this initiative does not just stop at Becton, as the Unified Club has already partnered with other schools, most notably the Rutherford High School. They have already partaken in their Turkey Trot alongside the Rutherford chapter of the Unified Club, walking down Park Avenue to show support for local businesses. The Unified Champion Schools Special Olympics further provides more opportunities for inter-school events. The club has already made a difference in many students’ school lives. Junior Austin Delcid-Reyes notes, “It’s fun helping each other, making new friends, and going on the walking trip with Rutherford High School.”
To work towards the objectives of expanding and socialzing, Ryan announced that next year the club plans to open up to all students who may need a comfortable place to socialize. Additionally, some ideas are to alternate Unified Members to partipate in the monthly Student Council lunches to offer any suggestions that could improve the school from their perspectives, or get involved in clubs in creative ways such as attending a bowling match against Becton’s own bowling team! As she puts it, “We are here to include, and we would LOVE to see all types of students enjoying the activities and opportunities that Unified has to offer.”
Sophomore Nicholas Rodriguez adds, “I really enjoy this new club because it’s fun and I get to hang out with my friends, favorite teachers, and administrators.” The Unified Club is looking forward to furthering its mission of inclusivity, and its current members, as well as future ones, can expect great things. Even in so little time, it has already made great strides in this, as Senior Veronica Isky concludes, “This club is great and inclusive for people who are introverted and shy. It makes us feel like we’re part of the community more than ever before.”
