Eventually No One Will Feel Ostracized - Embracing Differences: Erika Gruidl at TEDxLivermore

See how one high school student created a team to overcome bureaucracy and life-long lessons in ignoring those with differences, causing a local school to step away from the exclusive mentality of high school and embrace the differences of six remarkable students. Special needs students that had been isolated in the school system became super stars at Livermore High. The change initiated in 2011 persisted with incoming Freshman, as the student body demonstrated to the younger students, who had not yet seen the Shooting Stars, 'how to act with those with differences.'

Erika Gruidl, Founder of Shooting Stars, a cheer squad comprised of Special Needs students, speaks about the journey in creating a world where everyone feels welcomed. Erika loved performing as a varsity cheerleader for her school and believed Special Needs students deserved the chance to experience the same sort of joy. After initial resistance, the Shooting Stars were ultimately acknowledged, recognized and welcomed by the entire student body.

Today, Livermore High Shooting Stars has tripled in size, growing from 5 to 15
members, and continues under the guidance of the Special Day Class teachers
and Livermore High School Cheerleaders. Erika currently studies Biochemistry
at Santa Clara University.

For true inspiration of the look of accomplishment and inspiration, go to minute 5 of this short video.

"Eventually no one will feel ostracized."

TEDxLivermore is organized by people from Livermore California who believe in the power of ideas to change the world. Education and innovation are mutually dependent. We believe schools, industry and the broader community can build a mutually beneficial ecosystem where innovation + education can cross- fertilize and thrive.

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Видео Eventually No One Will Feel Ostracized - Embracing Differences: Erika Gruidl at TEDxLivermore канала TEDx Talks