During your conference hour in the Perry Gym, there is the unmistakable sound of laughter.  The source?  Puma Pals.  Puma Pals was founded in 2008, by Heidi Peek.  Peek was the teacher of the first self-contained classroom at Perry, and was searching for a way to integrate her students.  Peek’s motivation was simple, she wanted her students to feel apart of the Perry Campus.  “I thought it would be a good way for them to meet other students.”  Peek explained.

Puma Pals has evolved since then, becoming one of the most populated clubs on campus with a long list of people in it, and an even longer waiting list.  Puma Pals is a time reserved for students with disabilities to both socialize and play interactive games with their peers.

Students choose to join Puma Pals for numerous reasons.  Students like Angielee Niblett joined the club to work with the students.  “I want to be a Special Education teacher when I get older, and I thought what better way to prepare myself then to join Puma Pals.” Niblett said.  Though this is only Niblett’s first year, she knows it will be a year to remember.  “It’s a great place to be, [a way to] spend our time instead of sitting in a classroom.”

Tayt Smith and Chloe Lafleur joined as Freshman because being a part of this type of program ran in the family.  Smith’s mother is the head of the Special Education Department and Lefleur stated “I have a special needs brother, and my sister was an officer in Puma Pals.”  Both Smith and Lefluer are now two of the three presidents and enjoy the Unified Sports program that is often synonymous with the club.

The third president is Senior Kory Baez, who also joined her Freshman year.  Baez has been working with Special Education children since her years as an elementary student.  “I heard about it here, and decided to do it.”  Baez said.

But no matter the reason for joining, the common denominator remains the same for all the club’s members.  “It’s been an amazing experience.  I love working with the kids, they’re really good people…” Niblett said.  Puma Pals isn’t just a club anymore, it’s a community.  The atmosphere is alive with energy, compassion, and respect for one another leaving you feeling inspired.