Every year, the Robstown Independent School District celebrates awareness, understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism at the Autism Awareness and Special Olympics Rally. Meagan Falcon/Caller-Times
Andrew Guerrero was shy when he approached the Robstown High School band at a pep rally in the school's gymnasium.
When the drummers invited him to participate with them, 9-year-old Andrew immediately took the sticks and began to play at the same tempo as the band members.
To everyone's surprise, this was the first time the third-grader at San Pedro Elementary has ever played the drums.
Andrew, who has autism, visited the high school to celebrate the second-annual Autism Awareness and Special Olympics Rally.
Approximately 550 students from all seven Robstown Independent School District campuses participated in a pep rally and fun extracurricular activities at Robstown High School's gymnasium to promote awareness in the community, understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism on Thursday.
Students had a chance to play all-inclusive games called Lego build, hula hoop circle, limbo and a tennis ball and bean bag toss.
Andrew said when he attended the Special Olympic games last year, he won two gold medals in the bowling and basketball tournament.
"I won first place for basketball last year," he said. "I like basketball and I really like bowling. I just like to play the games."
Rosie Perez, Andrew's special education assistant, said that she has been by his side since he was in kindergarten.
"Unlike most students with Autism, Andrew loves to be around people and loves to play with the other kids," she said. "The games really give him a chance to try his best at everything."
Mariana De La Rosa, a behavioral specialist at Robstown I.S.D. said the school district wanted to include family, friends and classmates in supporting the students with special needs.
"We really wanted to make this year a little different," she said. "Last year, we conducted a walk, but in light of the Special Olympics track-and-field event coming up and National Autism Awareness Month beginning in April, we thought, why not combine both. And it has turned out really well."
The collaboration gave students a chance to support their peers with special needs for the Special Olympic games as well as providing an inclusive atmosphere with them.
Christopher Avalos, a 9-year-old at Lotspeich Elementary, said this year was the first time he attended the rally. He felt that celebrating students who have autism is important.
"Just because they are different, doesn't mean they are any less of a person," he said. "I really like the games and I am glad I could attend today."
The Special Olympics track-and-field event will be April 7 at Flour Bluff High School.