2 Mount Vernon Schools Celebrate At Rockin' The Spectrum Dance

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Better understanding our neighbors goes a long way towards accepting our neighbors — when it comes to autism awareness, a festive gathering can make all the difference in the world.

Students from the Benjamin Turner Academy and the Pennington School showed off their dance moves at the Rockin' the Spectrum dance at Pennington on Thursday. The school district says that the dance was held to celebrate children with unique needs in honor of Autism Acceptance Month.

"This event at Pennington this year is a collaboration with Benjamin Turner Academy because we both have a cohort section in our buildings," Pennington's Principal Melissa White said. "We just wanted there to be a time where students can be celebrated; dance, party, have some fun and not feel that they are being judged and just have a great time. This is the second year that I have done it and I’m excited to keep it going and the parents are thrilled, staff members are thrilled; so it’s just been a beautiful collaboration."

To keep up their energy levels during the dance, the young scholars enjoyed favorite treats, including pizza, chips and juice. They also were able to take photos with props in a photobooth and dance along to songs such as the "Cha Cha Slide."

"It is a pleasure to be here at Pennington School to be a part of Autism Awareness," said Indira Burrowes, mother of Ujana Greene, a seventh grader at Pennington. "Also joining us is Benjamin Turner Academy, celebrating with the kids. This is the first of many collaborations and it is a pleasure to have the parents come together with the kids and celebrate Autism Awareness."