Commonwealth University-Lock Haven Hosts 21st Annual Kent’s Fest

LOCK HAVEN-Commonwealth University-Lock Haven’s Council of Exceptional Children student group hosted the 21st annual Kent’s Fest Celebration on Friday, April 11, in the East Campus gym. The musical talent show for children and adults with disabilities brought together area schools in a heartwarming celebration of creativity, unity and inclusion.

This year’s theme, “Out of This World,” lived up to its name as students from various special education programs took the stage to showcase their stellar performances. Approximately 500 students in grades kindergarten through 12 from Keystone Central, Jersey Shore Area, Williamsport Area, Penns Valley Area, Bellefonte Area, South Williamsport and East Lycoming school districts participated. CARES of Central PA, an adult agency, also took part in the event, with more than 550 attendees coming to watch the performances throughout the day.

A special addition to this year’s Kent’s Fest was an opportunity for participants and the community to look at Glossner’s Concrete “Autism Awareness” concrete truck, which was parked outside of the East Campus gym during the event.

Twenty Lock Haven student-volunteers helped plan, organize and support the event. Before the event, students created posters for each classroom based on their selected song performance, helped with decorations and delivered T-shirts to participants. On the day of the event, students supported classrooms and performers.

“Each year, we continue to have new classrooms that want to be involved in the event. We had 38 total performances this year and every participant that I engage with during the event is having such a fantastic time. The community truly looks forward to this event year after year. I continue to feel honored to bring such a special event to the community,” said Dr. Erica Jones, event coordinator and professor in the Department of Early Childhood and Exceptionality Programs.

Event sponsors included the Clinton County Community Foundation, who awarded the event with a $6,000 grant. Reese’s Print Shop in Lock Haven donated the event programs and Lowe’s of Mill Hall donated water and additional supplies. Other event contributors included CU-Lock Haven’s CEC student group, Rachel K. Creations provided T-shirts, Troy Breon provided DJ services and other individual donors.