Student Briana Ward throws out first pitch
Newton Learning Center celebrates Autism Awareness Month with their 5th annual Reno Aces Night Friday, April 6, versus the Fresno Grizzlies. Tenth grader, Briana Ward, will throw out the first pitch.
Rebecca Larrieu, school director for Newton Learning Center, said this is a fun and exciting way to kick off Autism Awareness Month, which occurs every April.
“We’ve been working with the Reno Aces for five years now and we can’t thank them enough for their support,” Larrieu said. “Not only is this a great experience for our kids and their families, it’s a great way to highlight our school and autism awareness in general. We are so excited to cheer on Briana this year.”
Larrieu said the school also received proclamations from both Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval declaring April as Autism Awareness Month in Nevada.
“Having the support of our elected officials is monumental,” Larrieu said. “The proclamations and opportunities like the Reno Aces game help build acceptance of individuals living with autism.”
Tara Bevington, executive director for Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs Inc., which operates Newton Learning Center, said that Autism Awareness Month is an important time for the school and its students.
“April is a great time to shine an extra light on the achievements of our students,” Bevington said. “Our mission is to empower our students to reach their full potential and Autism Awareness Month gives us the added opportunity to share their successes with the community. This year we have an interactive online calendar providing suggestions on how to celebrate Autism Awareness Month, everything from events to swag and activities to blogs.”
Newton Learning Center students and their families receive discounted tickets, a free Reno Aces hat and scoreboard recognition during the game.
To learn more about Newton Learning Center, please visit http://www.secondstart.org.
To view Second Start Learning Disability Programs Inc.’s online Autism Awareness Month calendar, please visit https://bit.ly/2EfcD2e.
About Newton Learning Center
Newton Learning Center is a private school in northwest Reno, founded in 2008, providing an individualized approach for students with social-cognitive disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. The school is one of four schools operated by Second Start Learning Disability Programs Inc. and the only one in Nevada. Newton Learning Center San Jose, Pine Hill School San Jose and Pine Hill School Marina are in California.
