Youth Leadership & Disability Awareness Program

Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn

2012 marks the 8th year that eigth-grade students from Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn have participated in Seguin Services' Youth Leadership & Disability Awareness unit. As part of this program, students read the novel "The Man Who Loved Clowns" by June Rae Wood and completed activities designed to promote understanding and friendship between students and those with developmental disabilities and other special needs.

Walk-A-Thon

On October 8, 2011, Lincoln Middle School eigth graders took to the track at Morton West High School for the 87th time. As part of their study of individuals with special needs, the students raised over $6,700 for Seguin Services. Over the past 8 years, the Lincoln Walk-A-Thon has raised nearly $70,000 for Seguin and has provided participants with a fully equipped fitness center and exercise programs.

Seguin Social

Gaining understanding of those with special needs is the cornerstone of the Youth Leadership & DIsability Awareness Program. Lincoln Middle School students get this lesson first-hand at the "Seguin Social". Lincoln students host a reception for Seguin participants at the school - complete with pizza, dancing and making friends.

June Rae Wood Visit

June Rae Wood, author of "The Man Who Loved Clowns" pays a special visit to Lincoln Middle School each year to give students an inside look into her novel. June's book is based on her own personal experiences of having a brother with special needs. Her unique and personal stories bring the characters to life and are always a favorite part of the unit for students and staff alike.

Montini Catholic High School in Lombard

The 2010-11 school year marked the start of Montini Catholic High School's partnership with Seguin Services. Seniors participated in the unit by reading "The Man Who Loved Clowns" by June Rae Wood in their Theology classes; Montini sophomores visited Seguin for their annual retreat day to assist with horticulture therapy and fitness classes at Seguin; and Seguin participants have become frequent visitors to Montini Field to sit with their new friends and cheer on the Broncos.

Cicero Public School District 99

Once again in 2011, students in Cicero Public School District 99 participated in Seguin's Youth Leadership & Disability Awareness Program during the month of March - Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. All 5th and 8th grade students took part reading either "What's Wrong With Timmy?" by Maria Shriver or "The Man Who Loved Clowns" by June Rae Wood and completeing activities related to developmental disabilities and other special needs.

Percy Julian and Gwendolyn Brooks Middle Schools in Oak Park

All 6th, 7th and 8th Grade students at Gwendolyn Books and Percy Julian Middle Schools in Oak Park will participate in a group read of June Rae Wood's "The Man Who Love Clowns". Students will read the novel and participate in group discussions to increase their knowledge and understanding of adults and children with developmental disabilities.

Lewis University in Romeoville

It isn't just for kids! Seguin's Youth Leadership & Disability Awareness Program and "The Man Who Loved Clowns" by June Rae Wood have been featured in coursework at Lewis University in Romeoville. The novel was taught as part of a lesson in tolerance, understanding and leadership.