SIDMAN, Pa. – Forest Hills Elementary fourth-graders had a special encounter on Tuesday as they were introduced to Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2021, Jessica Gardner, along with her devoted service dog, Ford.
As part of Read Across America Week, fourth-grade teacher Kaitlyn Leach organized the event, providing students with the opportunity to meet Gardner and gain insights into the world of service animals after reading a book on the subject.
Gardner, a resident of Richland Township who has cerebral palsy and relies on a wheelchair, enthusiastically engaged with the students, sharing her experiences and the invaluable role Ford plays in her daily life. Ford, her service dog, serves as an extra set of arms, assisting with tasks ranging from retrieving items to opening doors.
The highlight of the session was Gardner’s reading of “Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship,” a poignant story about an amputee and her service dog, offering the young audience a heartfelt glimpse into the bond between individuals with disabilities and their service animals.
Gardner underscored important rules regarding service dogs, advising students never to pet, distract, or interact with a service dog while it’s working. She explained that a vest signals the dog is on duty and emphasized the significance of respecting their role by ignoring them.
During the presentation, Gardner shared insights into Ford’s extensive training, shed light on the career of a service animal trainer, and opened up about her own journey growing up with cerebral palsy. She encouraged the students to embrace their uniqueness and take pride in who they are.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where Gardner fielded questions from curious fourth-graders, providing details about Ford’s age (9 years old) and the duration of their partnership (seven years).
Teacher Kaitlyn Leach praised the students’ behavior and enthusiasm during the presentation, expressing their genuine appreciation for the valuable insights shared by Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2021.
In addition to this special event, Forest Hills Elementary embraced the Read Across America Week theme, “Under the Sea,” adorning the entryway with captivating decorations created by dedicated volunteers. Principal Kristin Wilson highlighted the efforts of teachers Cassie Layman, Carissa Sinosky, and Denae Fogle, along with the support of other educators, school board President Galen George, and additional volunteers who contributed to transforming the school into an underwater wonderland.
Principal Wilson commended the annual tradition of captivating decorations, expressing how they never fail to astonish and transport students, making Read Across America Week a memorable and immersive experience.
