WEST ORANGE, NJ – The smiles on the faces of students that attended the fourth annual Move the Spectrum event on May 9 at West Orange High School told the story. Move the Spectrum is an event connecting students from all over New Jersey with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in a two-hour, carnival-like atmosphere. The event philosophy “Connect, Create, Conquer” represented the event’s aim to include students of all backgrounds, build their confidence and bring joy.
For the past four years, #MovetheSpectrum has been an important event at West Orange High School. Phys Ed teacher Chuck Mound is one of the key coordinators and founders of the event. Mound told The Pioneer that “We wanted to have something big … We started out with four schools, and now we have about fifteen or more.”
This year’s event featured special guests from the Rutgers football team, three-time World Series champion Doc Gooden, WOPD, WOFD, and several mascots. “Everybody you notice here is chipping in,” said Mound, referring to the hundreds of West Orange students who work as “Student Ambassadors” throughout the event, along with The Pioneer’s media team, the Phys Ed teachers from WOHS, and WOHS student-athletes who ran some of the stations.
An exciting line-up of activities and giveaways greeted students upon their arrival. Tennis, mini-golf, dancing with DJ, West Orange Police Officer and WOHS grad Justin Davis, Police Academy, touring a fire truck, 10-yard dash, soccer, toss the football, tug-of-war, painted tattoos and more.
This year, participating schools included Roxbury, Randolph, Clifton, Nutley, Cedar Grove, Pompton Lakes, West Morris, Ridgewood, Booton, Whippany Park, and The Calais School. “Sometimes [certain students] go unnoticed in the hallway … so we want to welcome everybody throughout all these schools and showcase that they’re special,” said Mound. “These are the kids that put smiles on everybody’s face every day … and we’re going to put a smile on everyone’s face,” stated Mound.
In addition to Mound, Ryan Patscher coordinated and developed all the event stations. Phoebe Bledsoe coordinated the Mascots, and Nick Pereira coordinated with all participating schools.
“It’s a great way to bridge the gap between fitness and having a good time,” added Patscher, “and we want people to take away that everybody can have a good time no matter who they are.”
In fact, high school mentors, helpers, and athletes were having as much fun as their guests.
Senior Isabella Pincham, who is part of the Best Buddies program at the high school, noted, “I love working towards inclusion. This is my third year helping at the event because I love the aspect of inclusion that it brings, not only to West Orange but to all the schools that choose to participate around the state. I’m proud to see West Orange trailblazing in all aspects of diversity, especially the inclusion of people with IDD,” she concluded.
As the event came to a close, the entire group gathered for a victory dance to “We Are the Champions,” with students already looking forward to next year.
