Students from William Floyd High School, including those in Ms. Carmella Currao’s class, attended a concert by Kool Spektrum, a rock-and-roll cover band whose members are on the autism spectrum. The event was part of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library (MMSCL) Teen Enrichment program and took place at the library’s Moriches branch.
The concert lasted an hour and a half and was attended by students and community members. Organizers said the event promoted inclusion and highlighted the talents of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to organizers, “Their concert was a testament to the fantastic things that individuals of all abilities can achieve and to the joy that comes from celebrating each other's unique strengths. The concert served as a fun-filled celebration of inclusion while also showcasing the incredible power of music, ability and community connection!”
The Teen Enrichment program is designed for individuals in grades six through 12 and has been operating since September 2010. It was started by Ms. Currao, a special education teacher at William Floyd High School, along with Stephanie Kyle, teen services librarian at MMSCL. Over time, an adult session was added for those who age out of the youth program.
Program activities have included cookie decorating, making English muffin pizzas, Bingo, board games, and events like “pizza and police.” This summer’s activities featured an ice cream social in addition to the Kool Spektrum performance.
According to organizers: “Teen Enrichment offers a welcoming environment for teens to socialize and forge new friendships. The program meets monthly, with most sessions occurring from 6 pm to 7 pm. Through consistent participation, the program has helped build meaningful connections with attendees, and looks forward to welcoming new people. Each session concludes with smiles, leaving participants excited for the next gathering.”
The next scheduled Teen Enrichment event will be held on Thursday, September 11 from 6 pm to 7 pm at MMSCL Moriches Branch on Montauk Highway in Moriches. Attendees will play board games with Ms. Currao and Nick Nappi, program manager; registration is required for participation.