Mikey poses with his music teacher, Mr. Taylor, at a chorus rehearsal.
Mikey practicing at school
Creating the Right Environment to Grow
When Mikey stepped onto the stage at Severance Hall, he was part of something bigger than himself. Surrounded by a chorus of adult singers and backed by the Cleveland Orchestra, he performed in the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Concert. For many students, that moment would be an important achievement but for Mikey, it represented something even deeper.
Mikey is an 11th grade student at PEP Willow Creek in Grafton, one of PEP’s therapeutic schools. He has been at PEP since second grade, when he moved to Ohio from Arizona. Quiet and reserved, he describes PEP Willow Creek in simple terms. It is fun. He feels comfortable there.
That sense of comfort has taken time to build. Like many students at PEP, Mikey came to the program because a traditional school setting was not meeting his needs. Over the years, he has worked on skills that are easy to overlook but essential for success like managing emotions and building trust.
Finding His Voice
This year, the effort he put into building these skills paid off in a big way.
Early in the year, his music teacher, Nicholas Taylor, noticed that Mikey hummed to himself. It was not something Mikey drew attention to, but it stood out to Mr. Taylor. The teacher began working with him one on one, helping him explore his voice. What he found was remarkable. Mikey had a rich, low bass voice that is rare for a student his age.
“I recognized right away that he had a musical gift. His voice is beautiful,” said Mr. Taylor.
With Mr. Taylor’s encouragement, Mikey took a step that would have felt unlikely not long ago. He auditioned for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Chorus, a highly selective, adult chorus that performs alongside the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall.
He was accepted.
As he settled into the chorus, Mikey’s enthusiasm and confidence grew. He worked hard to participate at the level expected in such a prestigious ensemble. It wasn’t easy to go from humming high school student to nearly professional level vocalist, but he did. He learned the music, including pieces in Latin. He attended rehearsals and began to feel comfortable in this new environment.
According to Mr. Taylor, he did more than just show up for rehearsals. He began talking with other members of the chorus and building relationships. For a timid young person that sometimes struggled socially in group settings, this engagement was remarkable.
His growth did not go unnoticed. In the spring, Mikey was selected for a smaller group within the chorus, known as the MLK Celebration Chamber Choir. This selection is an honor for group members and comes with an invitation to perform in a second concert.
Mikey’s success is the result of years of support that helped him get to this point. It is also the result of a team that pays attention, notices strengths, and responds in ways that make opportunity possible. For instance, when transportation to rehearsals became a barrier, PEP worked to make sure he could get there. Without that support, this experience may not have been within reach.
Enabling All Kids to Shine
Students come to PEP because they need something different. PEP meets students where they are, ensuring their needs are met and that they have opportunities to reach their full potential.
With the right supports in place, students like Mikey are not only able to succeed in school. They are able to access opportunities that build confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging beyond the classroom.
For Mikey, that meant finding his voice and sharing it on one of the most recognized stages in Ohio.
PEP is so proud of Mikey and all he has achieved – but we’re not surprised. We know all of our students have gifts that will allow them to shine when they are given the support they need.
Learn More
For more information about what is happening at PEP’s Therapeutic Schools, visit our website. Contact Nicole Molnar, sr. director, clinical services, at 216-361-7760 ext. 110 or via email to see if a student in your district may be a good fit for Positive Education Program.
Please note, referrals to PEP’s Therapeutic Schools are made through school districts in consultation with parents. Interested parents or caregivers should contact their school administrator.