In the Harlandale Independent School District, teachers at the Jewel Wietzel Center are helping students live independent lives.
The Center is for special needs students. Gary Henson uses music to transform his students lives. He became an educator to teach music but his first job was with special education students and he's never left. "I got into special education and then I had a chance to jump sideways to get into music. I enjoy doing this so much, I love working with these kids. So I've been here 11 years now and decided to stay here because I get to do music and be creative in a lot of different ways," said Henson. At the Wietzel Center, Henson teaches special needs students from the ages of 7 to 21. He picks up his guitar and as he sings, the students keep rhythm by clapping and nodding their heads. When he's not teaching, Henson manages and performs with a country-rock bank called the "River City Wranglers". He brings his love for music into the classroom to help these students learn life skills. His goal for every young person in his class is the same. "To get them to be as independent as they possibly can be in life." Henson explained. To do that he uses music and movement. Other teachers and aides assist so the students in wheelchairs can experience square dancing. "Obviously our kids can't dance. We try to get them as involved in normal activities that you and I could do," said Henson as the students are whirled around the gym. He is seeing success. "Sometimes it takes 6 months, a year, two years to reach a new level of functioning that they've never had before. But when they reach that moment, it's wonderful," Henson said. Gary Henson finds joy and inspiration in his students and in sharing his gift of music.
