Broadway Comes to Jawonio’s Summer Education Program

It was near impossible to find a dry eye in a crowd of over 200 friends and family members at Jawonio Wednesday morning.

The audience—there to watch their youngsters perform—took in a revue of 12 Broadway numbers. The songs included “Beauty and the Beast,” “Seasons of Love,” “My Favorite Things,” and “For Good.”

The concert, entitled, “Broadway Beat,” was the culmination of Jawonio’s six week Summer Education Program, which provides an educational and recreational extended school year program for children ages five through 21 with disabilities.

A total of 102 children are in the program this year, from all of the Rockland County School districts and one Orange County School District, officials told Patch.

Throughout the summer, the children have been involved in academic instruction, life-skills program, pre-vocational training, work site experiences, swimming, art, music, physical education, trips and special events.

The concert is the most anticipated of the special events, and the kids work all summer for it, led by Musical Director Joanne Bower.

“Everyday we have to go over lyrics again and again, get them in the mood, and give them the background information on Broadway. It’s an everyday affair,” Bower said. “Its good to challenge them though, because they always need to have a goal.”

The concert is always a success for both child and parent, and aside from entertainment, the show provides a real service.

“The show is the culmination of the summer, showing how hard they’ve worked on communication skills, reading skills, writing skills and social skills,” said Gail Nachimson, program director of the Summer Education Program.

The show also allows children who may have been pushed aside in their school productions a chance to shine.

“To see them in the spotlight is great for them and their families,” Nachimson said. “These kids don’t normally get the solos. Today they do.”

One of the children able to enjoy the spotlight today was Joseph Devargas. Joseph has been with Jawonio since he was in Kindergarten, and is entering the ninth grade at Clarkstown South High School this year.

“When he was diagnosed, they said he would never read, write or talk,” said Maggie Devargas, Joseph’s mother. “But it’s been a 100 percent success. He’s now reading on a first grade level.”

Joseph served as one of the narrators of the concert, presenting the song “Dancing Queen,” from the musical “Mamma Mia.”

“The camp is fabulous. He has so many friends here, and looks forward to every July. Every camp counselor is phenomenal. Seeing him here, I melt because I’m so impressed. It’s beyond emotions. We have been very blessed,” Devargas said.

At the end of the show, the audience of loved ones was not only in tears, but also on their feet. It was clear to all what a magnificent feat these children had accomplished.

“Its such an exciting, special time for them,” Bower said. “They have the freedom of expression, they can be themselves and share their talents. I love these children.”

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Editor's disclosure: author Rebecca Porath has relatives that work at Jawonio.