CHS alum Nick Brennan coordinated Rutgers University’s Special Friends Day on Saturday, March 5 at the Cook Douglass Recreation Center. Special Friends Day is an event held for disabled children to participate in a variety of carnival-like activities with Rutgers students.

Brennan, who graduated from CHS in 2016, organized committees and found volunteers for the event.

“I delegated much of the work to my fantastic committee and helped coordinate volunteers and children with special needs.” Brennan said.

Over 300 student volunteers and 100 children with special needs attended the event. Brennan was pleased with the outcome of the day.

“The event went very smoothly. The kids had a great time and their buddies kept them happy the whole time,” Brennan said. “Working with children who have special needs requires heightened patience and understanding, but those who volunteered showed those qualities in abundance.”

At the end of the day, Brennan credits CHS for preparing him for leadership roles such as this one after high school.

“I would not have been as successful had I not gained valuable experience in front of crowds and in collaborative group settings that I learned at CHS,” Brennan said. “Both of those skills are vital in organizing large events.”

For more information about Special Friends Day, visit their Facebook page @specialfriendsdayru.