My Dream It Forward Challenge!
February 2010
By Madelyn Johnstone
Senior, Cranford High School
(in photo on right)
In April 2009, Pathways for Exceptional Children
stood out to me as more than just a seminar at
Cranford High School, but a long-term vehicle
for our community to create relationships
between all types of children. When Melinda
Jennis explained to us that “these kids think
you’re rock stars,” I knew that our student body
could become role models, friends, and
hopefully, “rock stars” to our special needs
youth. Cranford High School adopted Pathways for
Exceptional Children in May 2009 with hopes of
providing friends and activities for the special
needs elementary students of Cranford. This
program has not only provided opportunities for
our youth, but has given our Cranford High
School students a learning experience of a
lifetime and a chance to be a friend to someone
in need of one.
Pathways for Exceptional Children in Cranford,
New Jersey provides individualized one-on-one
experiences that enhance communication skills
and promote relationships. University Program
Director John Arlotta helps the students
coordinate events that include a wide variety of
activities such as dancing, bowling, arts and
crafts, and indoor sports games. These
activities allow the elementary students’
participation with their peers while having a
positive experience. Raymond El Khoury, junior
at Cranford High School, claims that “this
program is the perfect way to include these
kids; their excitement and participation is
really rewarding for us.” Sophomore Aleta
Nadolny also agreed that “Pathways is such a
special program; I take away just as much as the
elementary students do.” Overall, Pathways has
become a program that both high school and
elementary students look forward to each month.
Pathways for Exceptional Children has become a
huge aspect of my senior year at Cranford High
School. Being a part of the Cranford University
Program has allowed me to use my Honors Research
Seminar class to explore an area of my interest,
expand my knowledge, and find a
potential career path for my future. Not only
am I required to research the history of
learning disabilities and personality disorders,
I am able to further my studies through the
events we coordinate at Cranford High School.
Pathways for Exceptional Children has grown
close to my heart and has become more than a
research project but a lifetime involvement in
special needs programs. My involvement in
Pathways for Exceptional Children has been a
rewarding experience that I plan to continue
into my college career and beyond.
