South Forsyth High School students in the special needs program had an opportunity recently to demonstrate an array of talents and interests during a program put on by the Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club.

Expressing My Passions welcomed students to use storyboards and PowerPoint presentations to describe their hobbies, sports and other activities they enjoy. Others performed and displayed dances, paintings and cooking talents.

“It gave them the opportunity to express themselves, and they were so effective and impressive in demonstrating their communication skills,” said Russ Thomas, president of the Optimist Club.

Special needs students are paired with general education students through two programs at South: Peer Facilitation and the school’s teaching pathway.

“The Peer Facilitation Program is an elective which allows general education students to work in the special education classes,” said John Arant, a special education teacher who coordinated the passions program. “They assist our special education students both academically and socially. And I believe all of them would tell you the lessons they learn from our special needs students vastly outweigh what they provide.”