Peru, Nebraska – Special education students from local schools came together for the annual Career Challenge at Peru State College. The students spent weeks practicing for the event and were then given the opportunity to showcase their learned life skills with some friendly competition.
The life skills were tested at various booths, which challenged students to complete everyday tasks, such as making a bed or a snack. Peru State students acted as the facilitators of the evening, rewarding the top three performers with medals to recognize their accomplishments.
Samantha Oakes, an elementary and special education major who assisted with the day, commented on the unique experience. “Growing up with a sister in Special Needs, I have always seen cool ideas and events to help students of all abilities learn, but this one was the most creative and fun one.”
“The students took it seriously, but also had fun. I worked at the jello station, so the kids loved enjoying a few finger licks after making their snack.”
One of the evening’s key leaders, Dr. Felicity Balluch, an assistant professor of special education at Peru State, also reflected upon the challenge. “On top of the competition and celebration, this event enhances cultural awareness of a unique population. It is a privilege to plan such an event, and I look forward to it every fall semester!”
A student from the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired competes in one of Career Challenge’s many tasks.
Peru State College students Allison Main and Samantha Oakes working the snack making station.
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Alexa Cline contributed to this release.
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