By Ciera Balfe » Austin Prep Class of ’27
Austin Prep has taken a bold step toward living its Augustinian mission with the launch of the Kaleidoscope Crew, a new program that employs adults with disabilities to support various school departments. The initiative, developed in partnership with BrightBridge Neurodiversity Workforce Partners, reflects the motto, “With each unique light, together we shine,” a phrase chosen by students and faculty last year. The program’s name was inspired by the kaleidoscope’s ability to transform individual fragments into a unified, radiant design. “Just as the shifting colors and patterns of a kaleidoscope form one radiant design, the Kaleidoscope Crew represents how the distinct gifts of every individual combine to create something extraordinary,” Head of School Dr. James Hickey shared in a recent email to the school community. The collaboration with BrightBridge aligns with the Austin Prep commitment to Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas, as well as the Augustinian belief that “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” That fitting quote from St. AugusCOURTESY PHOTO tine was included in Dr. Hickey’s Mia Kruppa, a member of Austin Prep’s Kaleidoscope Crew, assists in the Tech Department as part of the school’s new initiative supporting email and further emphasizes that the adults with disabilities through meaningful employment and community inclusion. program transcends being labeled as just an employment initiative; it is also her first meeting with Casey O’Don- Kruppa and Leia Brown, two of the beyond filling roles; it is Austin Prep’s sentiment, noting how the crew’s a verification of the inherent dignity of nell, a crew member who assists with Kaleidoscope Crew members, have first step in creating a more inclusive presence has softened some barriers every individual, created in the Image costume organization for arts produc- brought energy and organization to future for students, faculty, and crew and humanized the ideas of disability and Likeness of God. tions such as “The Nutcracker.” the Tech Department. members. Mrs. P said she sees the for students and faculty alike. According to the Special Olym- “Meeting Casey was a really mean- “They’ve helped tidy up our space, program as a living embodiment of Mrs. P said Austin Prep’s “students pics website, “Only 44% of adults ingful experience,” Mrs. P said. “We refill paper and toner, and are great Austin Prep’s values. have Caritas in their hearts,” adding with IDD aged 21-64 are in the labor connected right away. He has bright with people who come in for tech “The Kaleidoscope Crew is all that “connecting with people from force,” a statistic that underscores the blue eyes and a glowing smile. We had help,” he said. about unitas,” she said, articulating the Kaleidoscope Crew can show inherent urgency of programs like the so much in common because he’s a “Their curiosity about how the that “together, we’re connecting our them that diversity and inclusion Kaleidoscope Crew. dancer too, and he performs in ‘The equipment works was really genu- school community with new friends are important in our everyday lives.” BrightBridge’s mission to empower Nutcracker’ with his company, too.” ine,” he added. “You could see they who make Austin an even brighter As the program enters its first full individuals with differing abilities O’Donnell’s involvement backstage were proud to be contributing.” place.” year, both Mrs. P and Mr. Ackerman mirrors that of the Austin Prep goal during last year’s performance was a For Mr. Ackerman, the program’s She urges students to take the ini- are optimistic about its growth. of forming students with Augustini- highlight for Mrs. P, who emphasized greatest success is its ability to create tiative to foster inclusion. Mrs. P implies that she envisions an-like hearts and a deep compassion how his presence added a new layer a welcoming environment. “The very simplest ways can mean future collaborations with the Crew and sense of empathy. of joy and connection to the school “When someone walks into the the most. Just start by saying ‘hello,’ and students, which will be an excitFor Marla Pascucci-Byrne (aka Mrs. community. Tech office and is greeted right away, introduce yourself, and welcome our ing addition to the theater program. P), a crucial faculty member of the Art The program’s impact extends it sets a positive tone,” he explained. new friends to the community,” she Mr. Ackerman hopes to expand the and Design Department, the program beyond the arts. Assistant Director “It helps people feel comfortable ask- said. “Be inclusive and treat others program into other departments has brought both practical support of Technology Todd Ackerman said ing for help.” with respect, patience, and kindness.” where structured, routine tasks could and emotional fulfillment. She recalls he has witnessed firsthand how Mia The Kaleidoscope Crew goes Mr. Ackerman echoed this benefit from the crew’s contributions.
THE EAGLE-TRIBUNE • REAL NEWS IN SCHOOLS • May 20, 2026
Kaleidoscope Crew brings inclusion to life at Austin Prep
3
Where every light matters