The Glendora Unified School District hosted a unique event called the Western Showdown
on Friday, March 16 at Sandburg Middle School.
The Western Showdown was an unforgettable dinner party for fifty-two middle school students with Autism or moderate-to-severe special needs. The event included a served dinner with live music, dessert bar, stage coach rides, game booths, face painting, photo booth, and lots of dancing.
Eric Osborne, Principal of Sandburg Middle School and event coordinator commented, “The Showdown is the first of its kind as it is a collaboration between the Azusa, Bonita, Charter Oak, Claremont, and Glendora Unified School Districts. Our goal was simple, to show the Eastern San Gabriel Valley and specifically the student and parents that are involved in our A.S.D. or life skills programs that they have a community that deeply cares and loves them”.
“I would say we exceeded that goal, I mean, look at them, those kids are having the time of their lives”, Mr. Osborne said.
The event was heavily attended with over eighty volunteers including students, parents, and staff from the five participating school districts. Kasey Heal, a third-grade teacher in Bonita Unified School District stated, “I loved the inclusion that this encouraged among the classmates. The environment was welcoming and warm. My son loved just being one of the guys.”
It is the hope of all involved that this will become an annual event within our valley.
Volunteers welcomed the arriving students
