THE NEST
BY EMILY WILSON
If you’re part of the Nixa community, you know the special place that
NEST holds in everyone’s hearts. “This is a night that we look forward
to all year long. It is a “feel good” event that really fills your bucket,”
said Ashley Copley, assistant director of special services
.
NEST, which stands for Nixa Eagles Soaring Together, is an event
where Nixa students, athletes, coaches, staff members, and their
families all come together. The purpose of this event is to celebrate
everyone’s abilities.
“It’s a night to shine for some of our students who don't typically get
that opportunity. On this night, they are center stage,” said Karen
McKnight, executive director of special services. “We all have our
unique talents and abilities and this event lets our kids be just that,
kids.”
At this event, students participate in team building and bonding
activities. There are also player introductions, carnival-style games,
and relay events. A popular favorite among participants is learning
how to tackle the football players.
At the end of the night, the event concludes with a medal ceremony,
allowing participants to leave with a memento of the night.
NEST is a night that the entire community looks forward to, because
it shows everyone is a part of the same community. It’s a great way
for everyone to understand that children with special needs are
normal children.
An annual event like this isn’t easy to put on, though. It takes a lot of
sponsors and a lot of help from community volunteers.
"We thank our community groups that have supported our event over
the years: Stonebridge Church, First Baptist Church of Nixa, 21 Cakes,
BJ's Trophy Shop, Johnny Mac's, WiseGuys Screen Printing, and Andy
B's,” said McKnight. We also want to show our gratitude to CC Links
who has provided a grant for this event the last several years and
brings volunteers to be a part of it all.” Thanks to the support of
these groups, families are able to sit down, eat a meal together, have
a great time, and leave with mementos and memories.
For families, the impact of NEST is everlasting. To Preston Estes, the
event holds high significance to him and his family. “Our family goes
to a lot of Nixa athletic events throughout the year as Audrey’s sister,
Jacqueline, is the captain of the varsity cheer team,” Estes said. “The
NEST event allows Audrey to be the ‘athlete’ instead of just watching
from the sidelines. This is my favorite event of the year.”
For parents, NEST is a heartwarming event. “As a parent, it makes my
heart swell to see my kid interact with all the students, getting highfives,
pats on the back,” said Estes.
“This is such an awesome program for special needs kiddos to shine,”
said parent Melissa Sanders. “I think it’s important for the high school
students as well, to see, you know, that there are kiddos that have
special needs that are just normal kids.”
Without all of the hard work from volunteers, students, and staff,
NEST wouldn’t happen. Everyone in the community works to spotlight
and allow Nixa’s students with special needs to bask in the limelight.
If you are interested in supporting the NEST event through
volunteering, contact karenmcknight@nixaschools.net. If you would
like to sponsor the event for 2020, email
triciachapman@nixaschools.net.
PAGE 10 EAGLE EXPRESS | SUMMER 2019
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