Pathways Makes a Difference

Each year, Pathways for Exceptional Children recognizes students that have made a difference in their schools and communities.  This year, Pathways awarded some exceptional students with “Make a Difference” awards. Pathways recognized Stephanie Jennis and Jessica Messina with the Pathways’ “Make a Difference” scholarship award.  Together, Stephanie and Jessica most notably have taken Pathways’ Rock Band to new heights.  The purpose of the program is to give opportunities to children of all abilities to become members of a rock band that has a real commitment and passion for music. As a result of Stephanie and Jessica’s dedication, the band performed with the Jonas Brothers on stage at the PNC during their sound check before a concert in July 2013. For the past two years, Pathways has had their concert at the Montville Township High School and 400 people have come to see them play.  The rock band has traveled to schools in New Jersey and put on “Include ME!” concerts and assemblies. Their message has been to inspire young people with how diversity can empower everyone. The rock band is made of children of all abilities, and they continue to inspire everyone with how they blend their differences into a powerful message of what can be done when people come together to accomplish something truly exceptional. Stephanie and Jessica are graduating from Montville Township High School and were each given $500 college scholarships for their dedication to “Making a Difference” in the lives of others.  Stephanie will be attending the University of Delaware to major in English Education and Jessica will be attending Fordham University to major in Video Production.

Ray Rubel was also recognized with a “Make a Difference“ award for his commitment and dedication. Ray is a very gifted dancer and martial artist. He approached Pathways in the summer of 2013 to begin dance and martial arts programs.  Ray volunteered many hours helping to teach children of all abilities and to share his passions for dance and martial arts with them. As those that attended the Pathways’ concert on May 10, 2014 can attest, Ray put together a dance and martial arts show that no one will forget!  Ray is graduating from Montville Township High School and will be attending Montclair State University majoring in Performing Arts. A “Make a Difference” award was also given to the Montville Township High School Football and Cheerleading teams in recognition for their efforts to include children of all abilities. Inspiring videos of the above “Make a Difference” awardees and their accomplishments can be seen on www.PathwaysKids.org.

Finally two years ago, Pathways began the “Make a Difference” program and school assemblies in all the schools in Montville Township. Every year, Pathways performs assemblies that encourage children to see the abilities in all people and the empowerment that comes from diversity. At these assemblies, Pathways awards two students that have been selected by their schools to receive “Make Difference” awards. These students have been chosen by their schools for empowering others with their courage, compassion and commitment to diversity.  We congratulate this year’s “Make a Difference” awardees:

1)   Woodmont Elementary: Daniella Forte and Abigail Seewald

2)   Cedar Hill: Aidan Glennon and Hannah Mikelis

3)   Hilldale:  McKenna Vento and Eazil Rajendran

4)   William Mason: Ken Shimabuku and Kendall Smolar

5)   Valley View: Anthony Ferrare and Annabel Park

6)   Lazar Middle School: Tatiana Ransom and Kylie Proscia