Blake Castillo, Sherri Davis, Grace Aguilera and Melissa Aguilera review a script during a recent Special Hearts in the Arts session at St. John Paul II High School recently. The newly formed non-profit helps children and adults with special needs gain exposure to theatre, art, music, dance and film.
Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
Blake Castillo works on a Valentine’s Day greeting card during his art session at Special Hearts in the Arts, an organization that introduces the arts to children and adults with special needs. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic |
Her love and respect for children and adults who are hearing or seeing impaired, confined to a wheelchair or need other special accommodations is readily apparent through her formation of a non-profit dedicated to serving this special population.
The idea came to her in a dream.
“I have this project for my students where they create their own non-profit to make a positive impact on the world,” Davis, who is the theatre arts instructor at St. John Paul II High School, said. “One day it occurred to me: I talk about how they can make an impact, but why do I keep saying it and not do it myself?”
Sherri Davis, executive director of Special Hearts in the Arts, shows Malachi Riley the proper techniques of holding and using a microphone. Eventually, Davis would like to see the students host a “Mike Night” event where their families and friends can attend. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic |
Later that night, she dreamt about two children on a stage.
“A little girl was in a butterfly outfit flying around and a little boy was in a wheelchair. He was a frog and the sides of his wheelchair had frog legs on it. He chased after the butterfly, hopping all around,” she recalled.
Davis said she remembers waking up from the dream with a great sense of peace and an even greater sense of purpose.
“I decided to do it. I started talking about opening a theatre for those with special hearts. Everybody I talked to about it said they wanted to help and in just three months, we had our non-profit status,” she said.
By December 2016, she had an official organization dedicated to individuals with special needs who wanted to explore theatre, dance, art, music and film. Through “Special Hearts in the Arts,” those with special needs can take classes led by trained professionals, culminating in live performances for friends, family and the entire community. Classes are available for children from five-years-old all the way up to adults past 60.
Diana Aguilera’s adopted twin daughters Melissa and Grace participate in the program. She said she is thankful for these classes, which have helped them improve their social skills, among other important benefits.
“So many of these children are defined by their disabilities. These classes have increased their eagerness to try new things. When given opportunities like this, they shine,” Aguilera said. “I am so impressed with Davis’ work. My girls were born premature to parents who showed no interest in them, so I could not be more proud of how far they have progressed.”
Daniel Hatridge, a participant in the Special Hearts in the Arts program dances with volunteer Ella Burnett, an 11th grader at Flour Bluff High School. Special Hearts in the Arts is currently looking for a donor willing to offer a building to the organization, since they are currently holding classes at the cafeteria at St. John Paul II High School. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic |
Classes are currently held in the cafeteria at St. John Paul II, with the support of Bishop Michael Mulvey and Father Peter Martinez, President of St. John Paul II High School.
“We are so grateful for the support of the diocese and our school, but we still need our own location. We are praying about it and hoping there is someone out there who would like to donate space or possibly an entire building for our programs,” Davis said.
The support from other organizations in the community, like Mary Grett School, Flour Bluff Independent School District and Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi has been integral to the program’s success.
Students in Davis’ theatre classes at St. John Paul II play a pivotal role in the classes, as well.
“I like to give more than I gain, so volunteering my time to Special Hearts in the Arts means a lot to me and makes me feel good,” said Gabriella Ayarzagoitia, a 17-year-old student at St. John Paul II High School. “Seeing the children smile is a great feeling. I work with the little ones, helping with art projects and dancing.”
Davis has also recruited former students to serve on the board of directors and current staff at the school also volunteer. Christine Stanley, librarian at St. John Paul II, has volunteered with the organization since its beginning.
“I was a special needs teacher for 19 years and I’ve always had a special place in my heart for children who don’t always get a fair shake in life. I had been wanting to get back into it, so this was the perfect opportunity,” she said.
Stanley said volunteering for Special Hearts in the Arts gives her a good feeling in her heart. “The kids are so happy to be there,” she said. “They are smiling and they make you feel like you are getting as much out of it as they are. It’s a marvelous experience.”
Davis said ultimately, the entire program has been “God-led from the very beginning. God has opened doors at every turn.”
With 43 years as an educator (12 at St. John Paul and 31 years in public schools), Davis realized there was not any place for those with special hearts to share their talents. Her dream does not stop with offering classes for special hearts. She wants to see these individuals run an entire program someday.
“When we have our own place, the special hearts can call it theirs. My dream is that they run it. I want to see them handing out programs, running the lights and on stage performing. I see it as a place they can come to and call home,” she said.
(For more information on donating or volunteering for Special Hearts in the Arts, contact Sherri Davis at (361) 774-0033 or visit their website at www.SpecialHeartsintheArts.com.)