AMESBURY — A rainy day couldn’t put a damper on the festive mood at Amesbury High School’s second annual Post Grad Party that saw dozens of North Shore students with disabilities come together to enjoy fun and games.
Students were spread throughout the gym and cafeteria Friday as they played games such as basketball, cornhole and bingo. Forty volunteers from the Amesbury Student Council and National Honor Society served food and helped the event run smoothly.
The party was hosted by Amesbury Career and Community Connections, or AC3. The transitional program offers support to young adults with disabilities, ages 18 to 22, to help them gain independence.
An estimated 46 students from Gloucester, Ipswich, Swampscott, Danvers, Wakefield, Wilmington, Newburyport, Amesbury and the Triton Regional School District took part.
“Unfortunately, Beverly and Peabody weren’t able to make it,” said Amesbury High teacher and AC3 leader Sarah Luz, “and I think Danvers usually has a little bit bigger of a group, so this is a little bit smaller than last year.
“So hopefully next year, Beverly and Peabody can get back in the loop and whoever else wants to,” she added.
Luz said because her program is small, she began reaching out to other communities, which is how the idea for the party originated.
“Then last year, Danvers invited us to a Friendsgiving and we’re like, ‘Wow, this is awesome having everyone in one space because usually we only meet up with like one or two groups on a Friday,” Luz said. “And so last year, we had this in January and it was a big hit.”
Dan O’Neil, an AC3 intern, said the party was a big hit with not only participants but also organizers.
“I get to meet some really cool people, and it’s also really fun helping out,” he said.
Fellow intern Alexis Gardner spoke about her favorite highlights of the event.
“Making friendship bracelets and doing the photo booth,” Gardner said.
Luz thanked the volunteers who helped make sure the party fired on all cylinders.
“It’s nice because the staff, we can make sure that our kids are being safe, but we’re not stressed about making sure they’re having fun,” Luz said.
She noted that most members of the program could be seen wearing shirts created to promote a good cause.
“We are making and selling them for disability awareness and acceptance,” Luz said.