Supporters and friends of nonpublic special education schools like Pathways went to Annapolis on February 5 to urge the enhancement of education funding for children and youth with special needs.  It is critical to inform lawmakers about schools like ours, because the current proposed budget will cut funding for Pathways and all nonpublic special education facilities. This will seriously hamper our ability to provide students with the services they need and will jeopardize the chances of our students to achieve their academic and life goals.

More than 100 people went to Annapolis to be part of the advocacy day organized by the Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSEF), including a number representing Pathways. Among the Pathways group were current students, an alumna, and a parent, as well as Pathways teachers, therapists and administrators. They spoke with five legislators and delivered a strong message about the pivotal role of schools like Pathways in

making sure that all Maryland students receive an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment possible to address their disabilities. Recent studies have shown that students who attend schools such as Pathways have higher rates of post-secondary education, employment, and independence compared to similar students being served in public schools nationwide.  Indeed, the Pathways group included an inspiring example of such success: Ashleigh Carrigan, a 2010 Pathways graduate now earning her surgical nursing degree.  

Pathways therapist Barbara Stortz, alumna Ashleigh Carrigan, and Sen. John Astle during MANSEF advocacy day

What drew you to surgical nursing?

I graduated from Pathways in 2008 and went to school for Medical Transcription. Shortly after I finished I landed a job as a Medical Transcriptionist for a dermatology surgery center. Part of my job was to be present in the operating rooms because we needed pictures of the surgical sites before, during, and after surgeries for the patients' medical records and for reports to their primary care and referring doctors. That's where I realized that my real passion was in the actual operating room, not sitting behind a desk or just observing.

What at Pathways would you say most assisted you to reach your academic and career goals?

The Maryland affiliate of Young Audiences/Arts for Learning, the nation's largest arts-in-education network, has recognized Hazel Hughes, one of our students in ninth grade at Pathways-Crossland Re-Entry, with its state-wide Arts for Learning Student Leadership Award.

Hazel Hughes poses with her award. Left to right: Dr. Tania DuBeau, Pathways Schools Director and CEO, Newton Lennon, Pathways Crossland Re-Entry Principal, Nora Dennehy, Young Audiences Program Coordinator, Hazel and her father, Curtis Hughes, Lindsay McLaughlin, Pathways Alternative Therapies Coordinator, and Kurtis Donnelly, Young Audiences Chief Operations Officer

In November, Hazel participated in an arts residency in

Teaching Artist Kevin Martin with Hazel Hughes on steel drum

steel drums led by teaching artist and musician Kevin Martin. Though this was her first experience with steel drums she dove in with enthusiasm and grew in skill and confidence each time she played. She was attentive, curious, and open to feedback, even though learning to play the steel drum was completely new to her. She was even able to help another student who was reluctant and unsure feel comfortable and able to participate. Always the first to warm up and the last to leave after assisting with clean up, her cooperation and dedication to learning resulted in her playing a drum solo during the Thanksgiving Luncheon performance.

Hazel's experience in the arts residency resulted in far more than her ability to play a drum solo: her growing leadership skills have been present in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities. Formerly very shy, Hazel now talks confidently with peers and teachers. She is in the drama club and works backstage on lighting and sound during theater productions. She has a 3.42 GPA and excellent attendance.

The steel drums arts-in-education residency in which Hazel thrived is part of the Alternative Therapies program that was put in place at Pathways nearly 15 years ago out of a recognition that some students require different avenues to learn about their world and who they are becoming in it. The arts are one of those "pathways to success" for our students. As the winner of Young Audiences' state-wide Arts for Learning Student Leadership Award, Hazel is an example of that, as she is honored for her exceptional work, perseverance, and willingness to take risks in the arts. Congratulations, Hazel!