We were honored to participate in the annual walkathon hosted by BluePath Service Dogs, an organization dedicated to providing service dogs that offer safety, companionship, and greater independence to individuals with a variety of disabilities. Our students, staff, and community came together for this meaningful event, walking in support of a cause that aligns closely with our mission to empower and support autistic individuals through personalized, compassionate education.
For many of our students, this was an opportunity not only to engage in community service but also to practice social skills, build confidence in a new environment, and connect with peers outside the classroom.
The walk itself took place on a beautiful weekend morning, with our students and staff donning matching t-shirts to show solidarity and school spirit. We were thrilled to walk alongside families, volunteers, and supporters from across the region, sharing in a common goal to support the training and placement of service dogs for people with disabilities. The energy was uplifting, with music, encouraging cheers, and moments of celebration at each checkpoint. Our students displayed enthusiasm and perseverance, many completing the full walk and proudly accepting their finisher ribbons.
Beyond our participation in the Walk, we are proud to sponsor BluePath Service Dogs to further support their mission and deepen our community engagement. This partnership opens the door to future collaborations, including educational visits, volunteer opportunities, and classroom-based learning around animal-assisted interventions. Our students benefit enormously from interacting with animals, and we are excited to explore how service dog partnerships can enhance social-emotional growth, increase independence, and promote calm, regulated behavior.
Staff and students alike left the walkathon feeling energized and inspired. For some, it was their first time participating in a large-scale community event; for others, it reaffirmed a passion for advocacy and helping others. The shared experience of walking together, cheering each other on, and supporting a meaningful cause was a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion within our school community. It also offered a real-world application of the values Shrub Oak International School strives to instill every day—empathy, resilience, and active citizenship.
We extend our sincere thanks to BluePath Service Dogs for organizing such a thoughtful, inclusive, and impactful event. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside other advocates and to contribute to a future in which more autistic individuals have access to trained service dogs. We have been honored to sponsor the BluePath walkathon for years, and we look forward to continuing this important work together in the months and years ahead.
