Kids Rock at Dutch Fork High!

By: Kelly Payne, Social Studies Teacher

The Dutch Fork Interact Club students had a chance to participate in the “Kids Rock!” Concert on Sunday, November 7, 2010 held at Dutch Fork’s football field. “Kids Rock!” was a celebration of individuals of all ages with disabilities and special healthcare needs and the 20th Anniversary of Family Connection SC. American Idol finalist, LaKisha Jones, from Los Angeles, California performed a concert and local celebrities were in attendance. The activities for this event included a disability walk around the track with USC football players and students with special needs. There were games and a cheerleading performance by A.C. Flora & SC Cheer.

 Mia Peterson and Kaylin Gragg, both juniors at Dutch Fork High School spoke to the crowd about their brothers who have autism. Kaylin’s brother attends classes at Oak Pointe Elementary and is non-verbal which she said makes it hard for him to communicate with others. While Mia’s brother is a freshman here at Dutch Fork, is high functioning and able to participate in a traditional classroom with minimal support. Both students pointed out how fortunate their brothers are to have a strong support system in Lex/Richland 5. For more information about Family Connection SC please go to http://www.familyconnectionsc.org/home/.