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Published: Thursday, 04 June 2020 13:48

Prior to the pandemic, thanks to SYTA and partners—Disney on Broadway and Hard Rock Cafe—students from Brooklyn High School of the Arts/Brooklyn Transition Center were able to have an unforgettable experience in New York City seeing The Lion King on Broadway.

The school, which is located in a specialized district that serves only students with moderate to severe disabilities, ensures all students receive special education and services to meet their unique needs, thanks to a strong collaborative community.

Michaela Amato, a special education teacher and Senior Advisor at Brooklyn High School of the Arts, along with 10 parent chaperones, led the 35 seniors on a trip of a lifetime.

“It was really wonderful to have an opportunity to share such a special experience with students and their families,” said Amato, noting students were amazed by the elaborate sets seen in The Lion King. “As visual art majors, dancers, instrumental majors, vocal majors and drama majors, all of our students were able to see their specific art field come to life within the play.”

Amato says it’s hard to pinpoint only one exciting part of the trip because there were so many wonderful moments.

“I think most would agree that the opening number of the play really builds excitement for what is to come,” said Amato, noting the trip offered students to socialize outside of a school setting and experience something they otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to. “Every aspect of the performance was beautiful. I heard gasps from the crowd when the audience saw the actors and actresses in the mezzanine.”

Lunch at The Hard Rock Cafe was also a really memorable for everyone, Amato adds, because it was an opportunity for seniors to get together and share memories from their time at BHSA.

“Oftentimes, with the busyness of school and the pressures of senior year, we don't take the time to reflect on all that our students have accomplished as young people in such a short four years,” said Amato, reflecting on the trip. “I am passionate about providing students with opportunities to learn outside of the school walls and SYTA has been an incredible resource for us as a school community.

“Every student deserves access to experiential learning that connects school curriculum to real-world experiences.”

Courtesy of SYTA.