It’s a late Friday afternoon, and some Miami University fraternity members are looking for a party. They know just where to go.
They hit up a place that has become their usual fun spot – the Hamilton Schools’ Bridgeport Elementary multiple disabilities class, which this particular Friday in December had its students decorating a Christmas tree.
It’s “Fraternity Friday” at the Butler County school, and the dozen Miami Pi Kappa Phi members are greeted with loving hugs and big smiles of recognition and appreciation in the late afternoon as they walk into the school’s cafeteria and stage area.
“This has been such an amazing program for everyone involved and really highlights the character of these tremendous young men,” said Angela Henson, physical therapist for Hamilton Schools.
“The students in the multiple disabilities program look forward to Fraternity Friday each week. It is the highlight of the week for many of our students who benefit from the time spent with positive, caring male role models.
“This began four years ago, as part of their fraternity’s philanthropy outreach program to assist individuals with disabilities within the community.”
The program has drawn local praise and national attention that resulted in a November award of a $2,500 grant from the Pi Kappa Phi Philanthropy for the fraternity to pass on to the Bridgeport special needs student program.
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