‘BLaST’ I.U. 17 celebrates Independence Day

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Nearly 200 special education students took part in an annual celebration of patriotism and inclusion in Lycoming County.

Red, white, and blue flooded the track at Schick Elementary School in Loyalsock Township.

Students, families, and staff took part in the “ BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 ” Fourth of July parade.

“We have all of our young people coming together with extreme patriotism to give the message that we live in a wonderful country,” said Dan Coran the Director of Student Services, BLaST I.U.

“BLaST” is an educational service agency that helps special education students in Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties.

One of those students is Michael Duprey, who gave the forecast at the beginning of the event.

“Today we’re expecting a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 87, tonight we will have mostly cloudy skies with a few showers after midnight,” says Duprey.

The parade is part of “BLaST’s” extended school year program for students who require extra help throughout the summer months.

“Each year the program grows, we get more students, we get more staff, and more community members come out and it’s always exciting and a joy to see all of the smiles,” added Erica Hoyt the extended school year program director at BLaST I.U. 17.

This event has been going strong in the community for two decades.

“It speaks to the resilience and opportunity and the bright futures that are ahead through our programming that continues to support the students of our four counties,” stated Brooke Beiter the assistant executive director at BLaST I.U. 17.

“BLaST” employs nearly 400 staff members who provide early intervention and school-age special educational services.

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