Friends, Food & Fun! The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were finally able to spend an evening together celebrating the End of the School Year! We even had a surprise visit from several of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. alumni who came to reconnect with current classmates.

Facilitators Donna Mansolillo and Kathy Gorman-Gard put together a fun filled evening for their students with team building games that brought lots of smiles and laughter.  For example, one of the games require students to pop a balloon, and inside the balloon was a question they had to answer. One of the questions that was very memorable from this game was Kelvin’s question which asked, “What do you value the most in life?” His answer was, “My family and friends”.  These team building games not only encouraged the students to work together, but it allowed them to express how they felt about the subject.

The class was able to enjoy a delicious dinner catered by Mission BBQ. Individuals were able to choose from a variety of meals: brisket, chicken and pork with sliders and sides. Dessert was a favorite as students were able to choose from brownies, cookies, donuts and cake! Dinner gave everyone the opportunity to sit together and socialize.

The HDS Foundation prepared special gifts that was given to each student at the end of the night. We are so proud of the work the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class has accomplished this year with adapting to new styles of learning.  We are very thankful for our amazing facilitators, Donna Mansolillo and Kathy Gorman-Gard who continue to focus on the goals and mission of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program during this very trying year for the teachers and the students.

We look forward to another great year with our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students in the Fall 2021!