WEST ORANGE, NJ – West Orange High School hosted another successful “Move the Spectrum” event in Suriano Stadium on May 12, welcoming students on the Spectrum from across New Jersey.
The event was created by PE teacher Chuck Mound to bring together special needs students for a fun day of physical activities.
“It’s all about bringing smiles to those who smile for us every day,” said Mound, “and I would say that all involved accomplished that goal.”
Station Coordinator and WOHS PE teacher Ryan Patscher helped to create a cross-curriculum of events, featuring sports, music (DJs) , art, physical education, dance, and community services.
“We wanted to have something for everyone,” noted Patscher, “and we will continue to add more areas of interest as it continues to grow.”
Student Ambassadors from the state champion WOHS football team, Boys and Girls Soccer, the AFROTC, Step teams, tennis teams, the Cheer team, and Sports Media team led the stations as WOHS mascot Monty the Mountaineer cheered everyone on. Activities included bowling, soccer, relays, football, and tug-of-war.
As always, the glitter tattoo station, sponsored by WOSEPAC chair Gina Velazquez and the West Orange Warriors, was a popular stop.
“We ran out of tattoos,” laughed WOHS art teacher Nicole Krulik. “The event has grown so much we’ll need to add another tent next year.”
Special guests included two-time New York Giants Super Bowl Champion Lee Rouson, who brought his Super Bowl Ring and signed autographs. Football players from Rutgers University were also on hand.
Sgt. Jeffrey James of the West Orange Police Department provided smiles and gift items for students from participating schools, which included West Orange, Columbia, Wayne Valley, Randolph, Wayne Hills, and Clifton. Toms River North joined remotely.
SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM “MOVE THE SPECTRUM” HERE.
Sgt. Jeffrey James of the WOPD
Monty the Mountaineer
Football Player Lee Rouson
Supervisor of PE Kevin Alvine, WOHS PE teacher Ryan Patscher, PE teacher Chuck Mound, WOHS Football Coach Darnell Grant
