It’s a celebration three decades in the making. The Buncombe County Schools Progressive Education Program (PEP) welcomed students, parents, and teachers from the past and present to celebrate the school’s 30th birthday last Saturday. The school, which serves students in all grade levels with moderate to severe physical and intellectual disabilities, current has about 150 students enrolled.
“This gym is filled with so much joy,” said PEP principal Dr. Thea Wilson. “It’s so great seeing the smiles of everyone who has been involved with this school.”Guests included Andy Hollifield and his son, Tyler, who attended PEP more than a decade ago.
“Tyler’s finding everyone he knew back when he was in school and has to have pictures made with them,” Andy said with a smile. “He’s having a blast today just seeing all of his former schoolmates.“
The PEP anniversary party featured pizza, prizes, and dancing. DJ – spun tunes that topped the charts for all of the years the school has existed, from the 90s, 2k and today. The celebration was organized by PEP Partners, a school organization made of families and staff members.
“We are so thankful for all the volunteers who’ve come out to help,” said PEP Partners present Maria Askea. “We have present and former peer tutors, teachers, principals and staff. Everyone being together spanning the years of PEP from the past to the present shows just how special this school is to so many people.”
