Special Services Students Find Their Niche

– By Janice Llanes Fabry –

Rye Neck's Special Education Action Committee celebrated the accomplishments of all students enrolled in special services June 7 in an awards ceremony at the Performing Arts Center.

“The most important thing for these students is finding their niche,” said Charlene Faiella, who has come to know many of the kids as a Special Services Department secretary. This year's ceremony  featured Rye Neck alumni who have done just that in “Where Are They Now.”

“We got great feedback from the students in the program last year when we featured remarkable seniors, so we decided to bring back the graduates,” said Administrator for Special Services Diane Santangelo. “It is helpful to hear what peers close to their age group have accomplished, so the kids can work towards making their dreams come true too.”

The graduates openly discussed the tough challenges they have faced, from difficulties in reading and math to personal humiliation, in a poignant video. They shared the turning points in their lives, becoming involved in something they love or developing relationships with similar students. They also offered advice for current students to “advocate for yourselves, stay strong and never give up.”

Kenny Murphy, class of 2007, is one who learned to live by that philosophy. At the ceremony he played the saxophone and the clarinet, along with music teacher Craig Peterson. Something of an anomaly, the special services student did not start playing instruments until he was in the eighth grade and then embraced them with a vengeance.

“Kenny does whatever he needs to do because of his strong desire, perseverance and enthusiasm,” observed Murphy's mentor Music Department Chair Mark DiMaggio. “He has learned to advocate for himself and he's such a benevolent kid that he's been able to break the barriers.”

Murphy works closely with Rye Neck band director John Mattera and plays the sax in the school's concert band, as well as in the Lehman College band. He plays the clarinet in Rye Neck's chamber ensemble, sings in the chorus and is an intern in the music department.

“The special services program has been excellent,” said Murphy, who is attending Hofstra University and majoring in music education in the fall. “It helped me to be more outgoing and confident and it helped me discover that my passion is music.”