This article originally ran May 6, 2009 on nj.com
Nearly 80 students at New Jersey Regional Day School in Newark were awarded trophies during the 13th annual Transition Extravaganza, a day that celebrates student achievement in the workplace.
Michele Adubato, the deputy executive director of the North Ward Center who was principal for the day at the school, helped hand out trophies and medals to the students during the May 1 event.
New Jersey Regional on Lyons Avenue serves students from 5 to 21 years old with autism spectrum disorder and pervasive developmental delays. Adubato started the school's transition from school-to-work program to help students obtain meaningful employment after they left the school. The Transition and Success Program is now run by Anne Pereria.
The extravaganza was started 13 years ago, Adubato said, because she recognized that many of the students had never received a trophy in their lives.
"These students can look at this trophy and say, 'I mean something,'" Adubato said.
Principal Charles A. Manzella said the Transition Extravaganza is the "premier event in the building."
"Some of the kids have been looking forward to today all year," Manzella said. "They'll be talking about it for the next four weeks."
Students aged 14-21 are enrolled in the school's transition program. They received awards for working successfully in a job at an off-site location. Among the employers include Goodwill Industries, Newark One-Stop Career Center, McDonalds, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside, Arc of Essex County and King's Restaurant. The students were paid for their work.
Denice Duncan of Newark, whose 16-year old son Amad attends the school, said she was proud her son earned a trophy.
"I am going to carry this trophy to my work to let people know how proud I am of my son," Duncan said. "I am not ashamed. Yes, he's autistic, but he's coming around and doing well."
Margrione El, whose 14-year old daughter Tameeka Johnson attends the school, said she has been to a dozen events at the school.
"Each time I leave inspired and uplifted," Johnson said. "The students give you so much energy. They are so proud of their accomplishments."
Annette and Granville Grant of Orange have two children at the school, Chad, 20 and David, 13.
"I've been here every year since 2006 and each time I have to shed a tear of joy," said Granville said. "It's really a proud, proud moment to see where are kids are coming from."
Aunatrelle Brown of Newark said she thought the event was "awesome." It was the first year for her son, 14-year-old Devante Brown.
"My son felt special for doing his best," Brown said.
