Kileen, TX: Autism awareness walk; "celebration of unity, togetherness"

April 25, 2025, KileenISD: Awareness Walk Reflects Shoemaker Unity 

More than focusing on a certain condition, the annual autism awareness walk at Shoemaker High School is a celebration of unity and togetherness.

On Friday morning, beneath cloudy skies, a large group of students, staff and guests assembled at one end of the track at the Shoemaker High School stadium, where event coordinator Letha Reeves, parent liaison at the school, huddled everyone together.

Growing emotional, Reeves thanked the student groups and school administration for supporting the event, something she described as a picture of inclusion and the closeknit Shoemaker family.

She recognized Principal Mary Lynn Gawryszewski, along with former Shoemaker principals, Executive Director for Athletics Latisha Williams and Executive Director for Student Success Micah Wells.

Superintendent Jo Ann Fey also joined the walk. She praised Reeves and school administrators for celebrating students. . . .

 No one explained the power and purpose of the awareness event better than a pair of seniors involved in organizing it and serving as partners escorting special education students.

 “We do a walk to be able to unite each other,” said senior Class President Sonarrah Johnson. “I think there’s a stigma that we’re separate from each other, but really, we’re all the same. This walk reminds us that with everything we do, it’s together.” . . .

 “It brings us together. Getting to partner with someone, we meet new people and other schools come in. We can show that we care.”