On Tuesday, April 2, Harleyville Elementary School came together in a big way to celebrate Autism Acceptance Day—an event filled with love, learning, and community spirit.
The morning kicked off with a warm welcome from Mrs. Ada Berry, who reminded everyone why days like this matter. Mrs. Berry and Her team decorated the HES gymnasium with colorful balloon sculptures and inspirational messages.
Serving as Mistress of Ceremonies was Mrs. La’Aysha Richardson Jones, a familiar and beloved face for many. A former HES teacher, Mrs. Richardson Jones brought her signature energy and grace as she guided the program, sharing in the joy of returning to the school where she once taught.
HES students led the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, showing their school pride and respect for the day’s purpose.
The crowd was then moved by Ms. Jasmine Brown, who spoke from the heart about what autism looks like from a parent’s perspective. Her honest and powerful words gave everyone a glimpse into the challenges and beauty of raising a child with autism.
The highlight of the morning was guest speaker Raphael James, award-winning news anchor from WCSC Live 5 News in Charleston. With nearly three decades of experience in journalism, Mr. James is no stranger to big stories—but on this day, he shared something deeply personal. As a parent of a child with autism himself, he spoke candidly about his family’s journey and the importance of acceptance and compassion. He even brought a copy of his book, "I Don’t Want to Talk About It," where he dives into topics like autism, dementia, faith, and family.
In a fun and unforgettable moment, Mr. James invited a student named Cam from the audience to help him film during the assembly. It was a small gesture, but one that made a big impact—especially on Cam, who beamed with excitement.
The assembly wrapped up with closing remarks from Principal Jeremy Wolfgang, who thanked everyone for making the event such a meaningful celebration. “This is what Harleyville is all about—coming together, supporting one another, and showing our students what acceptance really looks like.”
After the program, students and teachers joined together for a walk around the gym. Some carried homemade signs with uplifting messages about autism, while others simply walked in quiet solidarity. Each lap was a symbol of love, understanding, and the power of walking hand in hand.
Events like this one show just how committed DD4 is to accepting, appreciating, and loving everyone in our school family—no matter our differences. That’s what makes our district so special.