A back-to-school bash that honors children and celebrates diversity prompted Erin DeLuga, mother of a daughter with Down syndrome, to proclaim: “Wheeling, you should be so proud of yourselves today.”
The weekend event that featured emotional speeches, music, concessions, fire truck tours and more was organized by DeLuga, associate principal of Wheeling High School, and benefited Gig’s Playhouse and Ups for Downs, two organizations that support families of children with Down syndrome.
“We can’t do enough to spread the message of acceptance,” she said.
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Honorees were her daughter, Emma, and the 11-month-old daughter of Becky Canady, a Township High School District 214 staff member.
“Today, we are breaking down barriers,” said Nancy Gianni, founder of Gigi’s Playhouse. “I love that there are so many young people here.”
Gianni said that in a world of selfies and hashtags, it is important to remember what is truly important, which is accepting others. She said that acceptance is sitting with someone at lunch and being their friend.
“Acceptance is posting that selfie with someone with Down syndrome,” Gianni said.
Garrett Anderson, who teaches children at Bright Horizons and has Down syndrome, talked about reaching for your dreams and never giving up.
“I still have trouble doing things,” Anderson said. “That doesn’t keep me from working on them. I have achieved more than the professionals said I could.”
“Do not judge a book by its cover,” added Keegan Cassidy, 11, DeLuga’s niece, in describing her cousin Emma.
“I’m really all for this event,” said Kaitlyn Arvidson, a Wheeling High School student and cheerleader who was performing at the bash. “People need to realize that everyone is the same, even if they have a disability. Everyone is equal.”
Jan Morgan, District 214 associate superintendent of student services, praised the activism of DeLuga.
“We’re really seeing greater diversity in learners in all of our high schools,” Morgan said. That diversity shows up in learning levels but also in ethnicity and social-economic status, she said.