Annual Celebration Program

Boston Higashi School Proudly Presents our 32nd

ANNUAL CELEBRATION Sunday, June 23rd 2019 King Philip Regional High School 201 Franklin St Wrentham, MA 02093

Best wishes to the Boston Higashi School on your 32nd Annual Celebration!

The Musashino Higashi Gakuen Board of Directors, staff and students, along with members of the Parents Association, extend our heartfelt congratulations to all for their successful stage performances.

Mr. Kinji Terada, President Musashino Higashi Gakuen School Tokyo, Japan

Some Special Messages...

Grace, you are so treasured and we are so proud of you! Thank you to everyone that has helped our sweet girl soar! The sky is the limit, precious girl! Love, Mom (Jay, Charlotte, & Shamma and Shampa, too!)

Higashi is a great school. All the people that my wife and I have met there are super wonderful. They really try their best with the students and we appreciate all their hard work. Thank you. - Maraj Family We the Keane family (Wendy, Brendan and Patrick) wish you all a wonderful show!!

Matty - I love you for all that you are, all that you have been and all that you will be. You make me so very proud today and every day - Mom We’re so proud of you Quinny! Thank you Higashi teachers and staffyou are amazing!

We are so grateful for all the staff in Girl’s division in making Adele care for herself and willing to shower & groom. We are so grateful for Ms. Jennifer, Mr. Elliot and all class C for making Adele a star at running, art and gym. Go, Adele!!

Thank you to all teachers! Brandon we so proud of all your hard work Matty, we are so proud of the young man you have become. Thank you to the staff @ Higashi. We appreciate all the hard work that you do on a daily basis. Love, Dad, Kris, Jake, Kayla, and Rex. So proud of your accomplishments at Higashi. Thank you Boston Higashi for helping Cameron accomplish his educational goals.

Higashi is such an amazing school. So much progress in just a few months! Thank you to the amazing staff! - Ferreira Family Thank you so much Mrs. Kerry Nutting and staff that works with Jason!

Jason we love you and are so proud of you! Love Mom, Dad, Kylie, Lucci!

Higashi has been amazing for our boy and we are so proud of him and how hard he works. Thank you all! - Whynot Family

Some Special Messages...

Thank you, Team Ethan. Thank you, Higashi. Thank you, God, for the blessing of these extraordinary people and this miraculous place. All our love, Ethan’s Family--Heidi, Steve and Eric We want to thank everyone who has worked with, cared for, and loved Tommy these last 3 years! We will miss you! With love and deep respect, Eva, James, Lila, Liam & Tommy You are amazing! -Woo! We are so proud! You did it! - Lemansky Family We love you and we are so proud of you Marko!

To Matthew, my soul son. I did not give you the gift of life, but life gave me the gift of you. Thank you for teaching me the true meaning of unconditional love. I love you, Christina To the staff of BHS - You guys are the BEST in the world! - Luy Family Ryan, you make us so proud everyday. Do a great job of performing today, we love you! -Mom, Dad, Lewie & Colin Thank you to Andy’s amazing village ~ thank you for your support, encouragement and love that you give him. It takes a village and we are so grateful to have you as part of his heart. Andy, keep shining bright and leaving your heartprint everywhere you go. We are so proud of you and love you so much! Love, Dad, Mom, Sarah, Grammie, Gramma and Grandad xo We are So grateful and thankful to the entire team of Higashi BOSTON and a special thanks to Jennifer Wolan the 4th grade teacher, to Isa and Grace from middle school residential - Hammach Family To the world you may just be a teacher, a nurse, a cook, a case manager, ect. but to Dyan Nicolas you are a HERO. Many thanks to the Higashi family for your unconditional help!!! Daniel and Immaculee Nicolas Jackson you are amazing and make us all so proud! We are so excited for the annual celebration! Love Mom, Dad, Karleigh, Alex, Olivia, and Gabby

...to Celebrate our Students & Teachers THANK YOU to Timmy’s teachers and all the staff at the school and residence! You are amazing!!! The Supples Sending out gratitude to all the Elementary staff. Jake you are our silly, beautiful boy and we are so proud of you. Love you always! Mom, Dad & Tyler Many Thanks to the Teachers at Boston Higashi School and Best Wishes to Students and Staff for a Wonderful Annual Day Program! From Shri and Family Mom and Dad are so proud of all the amazing things you are learning to do. Keep shining. Love Mom & Dad! - Reid Family Dear Hope, We are so very proud of you! Thank you everyone at Boston Higashi!! Love, The Knowlton Family Sara Kelly we appreciate all that you do for Kyle !! You’re AMAZING!!

Kyle your ENTIRE family is proud of you !! We Love You!!

We are grateful to the Teacher, Ms. Connolly, and entire staff for their utmost devotion. Thanks Chris and Amy for your kindness and responsiveness. Moshe, we are happy how you are doing and growing. Keep up the good work and have fun. Mom, Dad, Binyumin, Dvoiry, Yanki Chana, Chaya David, Mommy, Daddy and Erin are so proud of you! You are an amazing young man and you teach us every day. We love that you are at The Boston Higashi School, learning with academics, music, friendship and a strong running ability. David you are my and Daddy’s hero!

William, you continue to amaze us each and everyday. We are all so proud of your accomplishments. Much love and appreciation for the Boston Higashi community. Lots of love, The Katz Family Nolan: Your outlook on life encourages us. Your persistence reminds us to never give up. Love you always: Mama, Daddy and Teagan Grace, I am so proud of you. I love you! -Dad

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR...

I am both proud and honored to welcome you to our 32nd Annual Celebration.

It is amazing how time flies - it feels like yesterday that we held our very first performance at the John Hancock Hall in Boston. So much has changed in that time and I feel so humbled and privileged to yet again witness the culmination of months, weeks and hours of hard work by our students and staff as they take the stage.

I cannot say enough about our teachers, their commitment and their tireless determination to assure that every student is prepared, confident and thrilled to perform. The time, sweat and angst demonstrated over the past few months by our staff cannot be overstated. They are true warriors and I never feel a greater sense of gratification and pride than I do at this Annual Event. I would implore everyone in the audience today to find the time to thank your child’s teacher for the love and admiration they express to your child each and every day.

To our family, friends and benefactors, thank you for all you do to support our efforts throughout the year. Congratulations to all, for yet another job well done!

With Pride, Michael L. Kelly

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL...

It is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you to our 32nd Annual Celebration.

This is indeed our very special tradition that showcases the talents and tenacity of our students and our staff. The theme for this school year is Be Brave. Boston Higashi School is truly the school for the brave!

The stage is the perfect venue to showcase creativity and the beauty of the human spirit. The music and the movement for our performances have been selected with clear intention and purpose to express the signature essence of heart to heart education that began thirty-two years ago with the extraordinary vision and passion for educating children with autism by our founder, Dr. Kiyo Kitahara.

Our students overcome challenges through sheer determination, practice and true grit. To do what is difficult until it becomes a newly claimed accomplishment takes the skill of dedicated teachers who believe in you and never give up on you.

It also takes the unwavering support of loving families and friends who are your greatest fans.

Thank you for coming to our Annual Celebration. May we all ‘Be Brave’ Blessed Resilient Appreciated Valiant Empowered Sincerely, Deborah Donovan

OPENING

Higashi Jazz Band “Oye Como Va”

Opening Remarks Michael L. Kelly, Executive Director Opening Greeting Hantz Joseph Student Representative

ACT 1 ~ MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Elementary Chorus Group Middle School Younger High School

“The Stars of Elementary” “Can’t Help Falling in Love” “Bohemian Rhapsody” “One Day”

INTERMISSION (15 MINUTES)

ACT 2 ~ PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Elementary “The Roller Derby Division” Middle School “Ghostbusters”

Junior High School “Braving the Sea”

ACT 3 ~ MUSICAL REVIEW

Older High School Song selections from: “Dear Evan Hansen”

FINALE All Students Curtain Call

Principal’s Remarks Deborah Donovan Principal Closing Greeting Tatum Bezum Student Representative Video Presentation Wonderful Life

Some Special Messages...

Thank you to all the staff and students for doing such a great job!

- Glatter Family Your our Higashi ROCK STAR!! We are amazed at your daily growth, strength and endurance running road races. Keep up the great work Cameron! Love Mom, Dad, Brooke & Courtney Mom and Dad are so proud of you Kerry!! We are so happy to see you living your life with friends. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Lauren we are so proud of you! You shine like a star on stage and it’s fun to watch you perform. Love Mom, Dad, Kyle & Ryan You brighten our days!! and as we all do, grow with God in heart. May you keep learning in music (and maybe speaking) going on - Mohapatra #FINALLYCELEBRATING! Thank you BHS for allowing the opportunities you have given our daughter. Her new purpose and gifts she now possesses has shown us who she truly is. We will be forever grateful!

- Iacuzio Family Mom and Dad are so proud of all the amazing things you are learning to do. Keep shining. Love Mom & Dad! - Reid Family Zachary, we are all proud of you! Love Dad, Mom, and Jamie.

STAND TALL Matthew Hausser, as you are worthy of being noticed! I am so proud, Love Mom Congratulations to Cameron Dandrow and the entire YHS division. You have all worked so hard this year! Thank you to all the wonderful teachers, support staff and special subject teachers who make a difference in the lives of our kids every day!

Jayson, I am so proud of the fine man you have become and your many accomplishments I love you to the Moon. Love Mom All the thanks in the world to the teacher and staff of Boston Higashi for all the love and care you give to our special girl. - Crouth Family

...to Celebrate our Students & Teachers Here’s to a year that was filled with love and learning. Thank you to a staff that allows and nourishes student growth! - Heres Family Good luck Adam, you make us so proud. We love you so much. The progress you have made since going to Boston Higashi is amazing!!!

Special thanks to all staff day and night who have helped you along the way with such caring and love for what they do. Love Mommy, Daddy and Amanda You are a strong and amazing unicorn princess. You keep me on my toes and you make me want to be a stronger better person. I love you honey. - Morales Family Team Higashi!!! We are so fortunate to be part of your family. Love the dedication and hard work by everyone...Hurray! - Shah Family Thank you Boston Higashi for being Tatum’s family. We are so blessed to have each and every one of you. You go above and beyond for these children.

Great job Dillan. We are proud of you. Love Mom,Dad and Matthew Rowan, we are so proud of you and all your hard work! You are truly AWESOME and we love you so much! Special thanks to all the amazing teachers at BHS for everything that you do every day! - The Conaghan and Campbell families Higashi has been an amazing experience for Tommy over the last 3 years! Thank you! - Tommy’s Family Owen, we are so proud of you and what you have accomplished this year! Love your entire Family Henry, you are a shining star and we are all so proud of you each and every day. We love you so much! Love, Mom, Walter, Gordon, Gail, Nana, Papa, Candy, and Hugo Mom, Dad and Patrick wish you and your classmates a great show!!

Break a leg!! - The Keane Family

Some Special Messages...

Another year has passed and the teachers, academic supports and faculty helped Robbie to achieve and understand things I never dreamed he was capable of learning. Robbie has made progress in many areas which I hope will continue in the coming years.

Nathan Harris your family is very proud of you. We appreciate the extraordinary efforts of so many dedicated people who have been amazing, you know who you are! WE THANK YOU ALL! Congratulations to another successful school year Javell! Thank you Ms.Kerry for being an amazing teacher and always going above and beyond! Your kindness and bright smile have made the school year phenomenal! Javell we are so proud of you and wish you continued success. Love Mom, Dad, Lily, Nana, Cha Cha, Grammy, Auntie and Zy Mark we are all so proud of you and all your accomplishments. You are our superstar! We love you very much, Mom, Tommy and PA Sending our best wishes to all the students and our gratitude to the wonderful teachers and residential staff for all their hard work and dedication. -The Mancusi family I give praise to the whole school, especially the elementary division teachers (Ms Ai Ai) & physical education staff. They have been so good to Charlie & have called him “Char” ever since he was the baby student!

To Ben and All other Brave students....Bravery doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. It means fear didn’t stop you. I hope you believe in yourself as much as I believe in you! Your future’s so bright you’ve got to wear shades.

We are very excited to see our first Annual Celebration at Higashi! Wishing everyone the very best-Have Fun! - O’Halloran Family Michan loves the morning jogs! If only we had a track in our living room, we’d be all set for the weekends!

Aidan we are so proud of you and all of your hard work. We just love you so much Munchkin!. Love, Mom, Dad, Ailbe and Goffrey

...to Celebrate our Students & Teachers Thank you teachers for helping our child, guiding our child, and making our child what he is today, Benjamin Wu’s Parents Congratulations Mark! We are so proud of you! Love Mom, Tommy and Pa Good luck Josephat and all of Older High School! Love Mom Thanks to Adam’s teacher Bridget and all staff for the dedicated work.

Everyday my son is doing better and better. He’s a happy teen exited to return to the school every morning. Thank you teachers and staff for taking care my treasure. - Garcia Sierra Family We are so happy to have Anas in BHS. We are so thankful to have him in this school. God bless you all for the wonderful work!

Timmy Riley...we are so proud of the amazing young man you have grown into. This is thanks to the amazing staff at Boston Higashi!

We would like to thank all the B Class Teachers who worked hard with Kenneth! This second Annual Celebration was a great experience for us. Kenneth did an amazing job! I am so proud of you. Keep on getting yourself stronger and stronger. Love, Lam Family Thank you to all of the teachers. Best of luck with AC! - Bocchino Family We are so thankful for the entire Higashi team and especially for Ms Jen. You all truly care and it really shows and makes all the difference.

Kayden, we are so proud of you. Sky is the limit! - Tompkins Family Ruby you did it! You are amazing! We are so proud of you! To the teachers & staff, it takes a Higashi Village but we did it together! You were so little 18 years ago, but look at you now! A beautiful young woman!

Congratulations! Love Mom & Dad and your Family With warm thanks and appreciation for all the amazing shows over the years. Can’t believe this is Paul’s 10th and final one! We will savor every moment! Paul is so blessed to have his Higashi family of such wonderful and caring teachers. We are forever grateful! Love, the Sheehan’s