For nine-year-old Kaelyn Goodman, choosing a Halloween costume was not simply about finding the right dress or accessories. The Florida schoolgirl wanted to become a “princess angel”, but she was worried about how her wheelchair would fit into the costume. A group of 25 eighth-grade students at her school came up with a solution that allowed her to take part in the celebrations exactly as she had imagined.According to People Magazine, Kaelyn, who studies in fourth grade at Babcock Neighborhood School in Florida’s Charlotte County, has congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS). According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a rare genetic condition affecting the nerves and muscles. Kaelyn uses a wheelchair when her muscles become tired, and her parents say it helps her remain independent.Instead of treating the wheelchair as something that needed to be hidden, the older students made it the centre of her Halloween costume. They designed an angel throne around it, complete with wings, while allowing Kaelyn to choose how she wanted it to look. Their work was completed in time for the school’s annual Trunk-or-Treat event on October 10.The result delighted Kaelyn, who told People that she particularly loved the wings and seeing her own suggestions included in the design. “They made my wheelchair into a beautiful angel throne, and I got to be a princess angel just like I wanted,” she said.
How 25 students brought Kaelyn’s Halloween idea to life
The costume was developed through Babcock Neighborhood School’s Project-Based Learning initiative, which encourages students to apply classroom lessons to practical situations.The 25 eighth graders were studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Their assignment involved more than designing an attractive costume. They had to work out how to turn Kaelyn’s idea into something she could actually use.The students, who later began calling themselves “Kaelyn’s Angels”, also had an important participant in their discussions: Kaelyn herself.Lori McLain, the school’s STEM director and teacher, told People that Kaelyn regularly spent time with the older children while they worked on the design. She was so interested in the project that she sometimes gave up her recess to join them.McLain said the students had to make adjustments when certain ideas did not work. They also learnt new skills, including sewing, during the process.
Kaelyn’s parents appreciated students
Kaelyn’s parents, Jabori and Kathryn Goodman, said what mattered most was the way the students involved their daughter in the project.The couple, who are both retired service members, told People that ensuring Kaelyn can participate in everyday childhood experiences is something they think about regularly.They explained that the students did not assume they knew what Kaelyn would enjoy. Instead, they asked about her favourite colours, discussed her ideas and listened to her preferences before completing the costume, which was great as , according to Kaelyn’s parents, she has strong opinions about what she wants.They also described their daughter as funny, affectionate, outgoing and imaginative. She enjoys being around people, making friends and participating in activities. Although her medical condition makes certain things more difficult, they said she remains determined to enjoy the same experiences as other children.
Kaelyn wears her dream costume
On October 10, Kaelyn attended the school’s Trunk-or-Treat celebration dressed as the princess angel she had wanted to be. Her wheelchair had been transformed into a throne, with the design reflecting the ideas she had shared during the project.Kaelyn told People that she enjoyed dressing up, meeting people, and showing off the costume. She was especially pleased that others could see what the eighth-grade students had created for her.Babcock Schools Executive Director Shannon Treece said the experience reflected the importance of connecting education with situations in which students can make a difference to others.For Kaelyn’s parents, the project showed that the students had looked beyond their daughter’s medical condition and taken the time to understand what she wanted. According to them, eighth graders could have treated the costume as another school assignment, but instead made the experience personal by involving Kaelyn throughout the process.Meanwhile, Kaelyn herself said, “Sometimes people need help doing things, and it’s nice when someone cares enough to help. The eighth graders made me really happy.”