On Nov.14, the VFAC (Vocational, Functional, Academic Classroom) class participated in their annual tree decorating competition at the Electric City Trolley Museum. 

They prepared diligently for this event, as they have been creating their own ornaments to decorate their tree with. Their theme this year was Fantasy/Harry Potter, meaning their ornaments celebrate all things magic and wizardry.

At the event we spoke to Ms. Danielle, one of the VFAC teachers, who further elaborated on the logistics of the competition: “[The Trolley Museum has] been doing it for the past seven years, and we have participated for the last four. Last year we got honorable mention, and now we are really striving for first place.”

The occasion is not only a way for the VFAC students to have fun, but to also learn important social skills that are crucial to their development. It also allows them to participate and be included as a whole.

Mr. Brian, a helper for VFAC students who was present at the event, emphasized the importance of acknowledgement and inclusion: “This has been great because it gives us a chance to be exposed to the outside world and our mission is to be very inclusive and bring everybody together. These guys, they can do anything, and we’re here for them.”

This event is one of the many that allows the VFAC class to shine.