Twenty-four Years, that is a long time. I am honored to have been a part of this project from the very beginning. This project means so many different things to so many people. Each student comes away from the experience with something different. For some it may mean gaining a better understanding and appreciating differences, for others it could be overcoming fears and accepting what they don’t understand. Still for others it could simply be enjoying the music, socializing and interacting with others. We hope the experience will create bonds and friendships that will remain strong, long after the final curtain. I know it has for Andrea, Chris, Teresa, Eiko, Mary and myself. We are truly good friends.
Mindy Olimpi-Zucca
Student Services Coordinator, HMS School
Sometimes, going over to the other side of the fence, is the best thing we can do for ourselves. What better way to understand who we are, than to reach out of our comfort zone, into a world that appears different than our own.
As we get closer and get to know the people on the other side, our differences fade and friendships are born.
As in the words of the song, "We've Got To Work Together...to find a way". Everyone did an extraordinary job of working together and our efforts resulted in a most entertaining and moving musical...ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE...Along the way, we found a piece of ourselves in each other and were truly able to,
"Take the Fence Away" and become “Good Friends!”
Andrea Green Feigenbaum
Music Therapist, Writer & Director
As a current HMS teacher’s assistant and a former Ms. Maebori student, I feel that I have truly been on both "sides of the fence". The friendship that I developed with my HMS partner Nicole has had a tremendous impact on my life. Since my experience in
Ms. Maebori's class I have aspired to work with students with special needs. I feel that my involvement in the project has come full circle. I am finishing up my Master's Degree in special education now, and no matter where the future takes me, I will always remember Nicole, the laughs we had and the jokes we shared. I still consider her one of my close friends. Our friendship has opened my eyes to the equality of all people, and that, I think, is something magical.
Thea Suchodolski
Assistant Teacher, HMS & Former GFS Student
Twenty-four years! Hooray, hooray, take the fence away. Yes, we have made progress in breaking down barriers. I love this musical because it was the beginning of everything. Our partnership has been strong all these years. I love and respect all the principal creators of this exchange from Mindy Olimpi, Andrea Green, Mary Duffy, Eiko Fan and all the teachers and staff at HMS. We have
worked together, blended our talents and voices, and the children have benefited immensely. This project is my proudest endeavor. All the students are my heroes. "Take the Fence Away!"
Teresa Maebori
Teacher, GFS
It has been a wonderful and educational 24 years of Something Magical. Each year we learn more and more from the students. Relationships are formed, perspectives are changed and in the end we realize we are all the same on the inside; we just come in different packages. It all began with ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE, my personal favorite. As we watch the pigs and farmers and other farmyard characters evolve we, too, continue to grow. It has always been a labor of love to work with Andrea, Teresa, Eiko, Mary , and Mindy…”Another world from the one I know, but it’s still a place I like to go”.
Christina Coia
Assistant Director, HMS School
“Something Magical” occurs each year about this time as HMS students and staff come together with Germantown Friends School students and staff to make beautiful music and dance together. We are all very grateful for this wonderful exchange that leaves its mark on every participant – regardless of whether performer, teacher, parent, or audience and regardless of how many performances you’ve seen! We are all proud to be part of this enduring experience. Congratulations for another spectacular year of getting to know more about being friends!!
Diane Gallagher
Director, HMS School