Junior Dylan Zephier (center) dances with senior Jordyn Guse next to senior Helina Cooper (back left) and freshman Liam Hoffschneider during a unified music class Sept. 5 at Lincoln East High School. As “A Sky Full of Stars” from the animated movie “Sing 2” blared through the classroom speakers, Gabe Stearns didn’t miss a beat.
He instantly took his spot at the front of the music room and broke out his best dance moves. A shimmy here, a fist pump there. The sophomore at Lincoln East High School saves his best moves, though, for his all-time favorite song: Cupid’s classic “Cupid Shuffle.
” That’s when things get serious. Stearns simply loves music. He loves dancing, too, which is why he joined the unified music course at East.
There, he’s in his element. He doesn’t have to be afraid to let loose and can sing to his heart’s content. He can be himself and appreciate music alongside dozens of his fellow classmates who are there for the same reason, to sing and dance.
Stearns is one of hundreds of students across Lincoln Public Schools to participate in the growing number of unified programs, which allow both students like him who are enrolled in special education and those in general education to come together in an inclusive environment to learn and appreciate shared interests. “It’s a place where everyone belongs,” said Carrie Foster, a special education coordinator at the district who oversees all unified programs. LPS now has dozens of unified act.