IN South Fayette Summer 2019 | Page 56

Awareness. Acceptance. Kindness. Love. S outh Fayette continues to support Autism Awareness Month. Staff and students purchased t-shirts that were designed by Nicole Simon and the Library Club at the high school for the District to participate in a unique global event, Light It Up Blue Day, that kicked off Autism Awareness Month on April 2, 2019. April 2nd has been declared as World Autism Awareness Day, which is when Autism Speaks celebrates its international Light It Up Blue campaign. Thousands of iconic landmarks, communities, businesses, and homes across the globe unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families around the world affected by autism. South Fayette students and staff were encouraged to wear their t-shirts or wear blue on Light It Up Blue Day and every Tuesday throughout the month of April. Over $4,000 has been raised through t-shirt sales alone. All proceeds from the t-shirt sales will go to the Autism Speaks Pittsburgh Chapter. We are committed to celebrate and honor children and adults with autism and hope to raise funds to benefit the local autism community. Our District’s support of the campaign can help shine a bright light on the growing number of autism diagnoses, which affects 1 in 59 American children and approximately 70 million people across the globe. 54 SOUTH FAYETTE