By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

Since the start of the school year, the Cazenovia High School Business Leadership class has been working with the Cazenovia College Inclusion program through a unique community-focused partnership.

According to Professor Mary Handley, CRC, LMHC, PhD, the Inclusion program gives adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to participate in activities on campus and to develop relationships with students.

One of the program’s courses, titled “Therapeutic Recreation,” allows the college students to organize and lead recreation activities for the program’s adult participants.

The high school’s leadership class — taught by business teacher Christina New and open to students in 11th and 12th grade — is focused on character development and service-learning in the community.

Students like Jakob Buckley, a junior, said it has been a rewarding experience.

“I really enjoyed taking part in the program,” he said. “I’m so proud of all of the adult’s accomplishments and seeing their perseverance gives me the inspiration to accomplish my own goals.”

The partnership between the business department and the Inclusion program started about five years ago.

“Cazenovia high school administrators met with me regarding volunteer experiences for their students in the Inclusion program,” Handley said. “Soon after, Christina New contacted me about ways to include her [class] in the program . . .She was interested in giving her students a new experience in the community where they could utilize their leadership skills and expand their understanding of people.”

At least once a month, the high school students, the college students and the program’s adult participants gather to learn about each other, build relationships and celebrate the holidays.

Prior to each visit, the high school students develop, plan and organize an activity to share with the 30-plus-person group.

“We have celebrated Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas together,” New said. “It’s a really special partnership. My students look forward to visiting and spending time with their new friends.”

According to New, her students not only meet new people, but they also learn to think positively; to notice the small things in life; to embrace being different; to never give up; to make better word choices; and to recognize that everyone has something to offer.

“This partnership is an extremely valuable experience for everyone involved,” Handley said. “The high school students, the college students and the participants with disabilities . . . learn so much about each other. This partnership provides real world experience for the students and breaks down the stigma and stereotypes of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

In addition to working with the Inclusion program, the business leadership class serves the Cazenovia-area community in a variety of ways.

Throughout the semester, the class volunteers at Cazenovia Children’s House and Brookdale senior living in Manlius.

Last month, the students invited their role models including parents, teachers, coaches and siblings, to the middle school library for an appreciation event.

During the celebration, the students shared letters of gratitude and the group enjoyed holiday cookies, hot chocolate and planned activities.

“It’s an annual tradition for the leadership class to celebrate Role Model Day and everyone enjoys it,” New said.

To learn more about Cazenovia High School and its business course offerings, visit cazenoviacsd.com/high-school/.

For more information on Cazenovia College’s programs, visit cazenovia.edu/.