Last Thursday, February 23, the Blue Gold Club held an assembly about their support of the Special Olympics program and its upcoming Blue Gold Week. The presentation opened with a clip from the popular television series, “Glee.”  The clip was introduced and explained by Maggie Kane (’12).  She posed thought provoking questions such as “How does being treated differently make you feel?” Students could voice their opinions and in return received “Spread the Word to End the Word” t-shirts.  “Spread the Word to End the Word” is a campaign supported by the Blue Gold Club to end the use of the word “retard” as an expression or insult in today’s culture.  Then guest speaker, Ruth Coughlin a spokeswoman from the Special Olympics Program introduced an emotional clip featuring a young girl with Down Syndrome.  The girl explained how Special Olympics has had a positive impact on our life.  We then heard from, John Pasquale,  a man with Down Syndrome.  He explained how he feels when he hears the word “retard” being used at school and on the bus, all around him.  His perspective on how it feels to hear the word used as casual expression, was emotional and moving.  Finally we heard from, Mary Krienen, the mother of John a six year old boy who also has Down Syndrome.  All of the speakers brought different perspectives and affected the students.

This presentation was the kick-off of Blue Gold Week at Padua.  Merchandise was sold all week to raise money for DFRC and Special Olympics.  Berri-Yummi frozen yogurt was served on Wednesday.  Penny Wars are being waged amongst the grades throughout the week.  All of these smaller fundraisers throughout the week are just predecessors to the main event! On Friday all students are encouraged to come out to participate in Padua’s annual Blue Gold Bingo Night.  This year’s theme is a “Rodeo.”  Bingo Night is the Blue Gold Club’s biggest fundraiser all year, and a favorite among students and faculty alike.