Rockin’ around Raritan The Courier,Staff report Posted:12/16/08
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Special Olympics athletes, coaches, teachers and other volunteers gathered for their fifth annual celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6.
About 225 people partied in the winter-theme decorated gymnasium of Raritan High School, in Hazlet.
“We have this every year so they can all mingle together, dance and have a good time,” said Tony Recco, who was on the dance committee and coach of the graduating team.
About 10 to 15 parents, whom Recco called “the stars,” spent the morning decorating and setting up the room.
The dinner, DJ and decorations were all paid for by fundraising done throughout the year and donations, he added.
“This is where the money goes,” Recco explained. Each attendee also received a free gift, he said.
Hazlet Board of Education member Mike Leonard said the district supports the Special Olympics program and integrates it into the culture of the schools. For instance, several Raritan High School teens were present to volunteer and enjoy the event.
“I think it’s a great idea and the parents do a tremendous amount of work while the teachers and high school students help to support [the team],” he said.
