One of the best aspects of the culture here at OHS is the sense of community that students can build. High school is a space of growth and a large milestone in life; it is a transformative experience where students are bound to redefine who they are and dictate opportunities down the line.
Imagine That is a new organization dedicated to eliminating a critical issue in the special needs program here at OHS: inadequate funding. Their initiative aims to create relationships and have a lasting impact that benefits not only the special needs students but also the club members.
“Mrs. Rincon, the special needs teacher, has to pay for everything out of pocket. So we decided to start the club to do fundraisers and plan events for them [special needs students],” said Tiana Boley, junior and vice president of Imagine That.
Imagine That is focused on becoming a consistent pillar in the lives of these students, fostering relationships and providing activities catered to them.
“We specifically focus on helping out with the special needs kids, rather than other clubs that do activities from time to time,” said Natalie Duoung, junior and secretary of Imagine That.
For students who have been separated from others and seen as different for their whole life, Imagine That has provided an outlet for students to express themselves. Navigating life as a special needs parent or student is not a simple task, but this club highlights the beauty of diversity.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of parents about this, but before we started Imagine That this year, the special needs students never really had a club that they could go to after school…A lot of parents came out to us and thanked us for hosting for them,” said Sophia Sampley, junior and treasurer of Imagine That.
The special needs department at OHS has always been rooted in love and support. They are devoted to helping all of their students, which is a sentiment recognized by the founding members of Imagine That. Inspired by the Best Buddies program, a non-profit that encourages relationships with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, the president of Imagine That launched the club’s first iteration.
“I’ve helped out with [special education] homecoming and prom since freshman year. So I was already familiar with special needs students, and I thought we could have a club like this at school,” said Mackenzie Grenawalt, junior and president of Imagine That
Imagine That is not just an experience for special needs students; it is beneficial for everyone in the group. It encourages inclusivity, unity, and love–values that are clearly needed in today’s reality. In a day and age where devices take precedence over human interaction, Imagine That provides a space where students of all backgrounds can connect. Joining Imagine That is an honor, and to do it, students need to reach out to Mackenzie Grenawalt.
“People should join Imagine That, because it’s such a rewarding thing to do…all of the students are kind and caring… As much effort you put into it, you get back,” Sampley said.
The effect of Imagine That on special needs students and their families is immeasurable, as their commitment to enhancing the high school experience is evident in every activity they create.
“It’s like a big sister, big brother thing where they want to make sure that they’re involved in everything… to see the parents be thankful for that was amazing.” Jeanette Rincon, Special Needs Educator
