Little Lukes Where They Are Now: Preschool to High School Story - Claudia
Claudia started
out at Little Lukes in 2003 at three years of age in the Pink Puppies
classroom. Claudia’s parents, Julie and
Brian Chetney knew that starting pre-school early was essential to being kindergarten
ready, so for two whole years Claudia spent Monday, Wednesday and Friday at
Little Lukes not only getting ready for kindergarten, but gaining life skills
that have carried on into her teenage years.
“Believe it or not, we were most interested the longer pre-school
day for Claudia,” her parents noted. “Along with the energetic staff and
variety of indoor and outdoor activities, having close to a full day really allowed
for academic and social development,” continued her Mom, Julie.
While making some lifelong friends back in Little Lukes, Claudia
also learned compassion, empathy, and understanding for children of all
abilities. “We didn’t realize the
understanding Claudia had-- and acceptance of children with special needs until
she went to elementary school and teacher after teacher would tell us of her willingness
to help those in the classroom who were struggling.” It goes without saying
that Claudia excelled from the very first day of kindergarten academically but,
“it was her compassion and social skills that we have always attributed to
Little Lukes and the inclusion environment,” said Julie.
Today as a junior at Oswego High School, Claudia plays soccer, is
a member of the Student Council, and the National Honor Society. She has been in the top 25 of her class every
year since 7th grade, is taking multiple Honors classes, and has
earned her Bronze and Silver Girl Scout awards. She is a member of the Oswego
County Youth Court program, and is in her 6th year coaching for
Oswego Youth Soccer Association.
With her great compassion and understanding for children with
special needs, Claudia is the founder and leader of the “Doing It Our Way” Soccer Program.
In its 7th year, Claudia hosts a 6 week clinic each Fall for
children of all ages and abilities giving kids the opportunity to play and have
fun with Soccer. With the help of her
soccer teammates and coaches, the program has found great success and allows
for kids to play soccer without worries of scoring, winning, losing, or rules;
“it’s just about having fun with the soccer ball,” Claudia states. “It’s this
program that she leads that takes us back to her days at Little Lukes where we
know she learned the patience and empathy for all people,” her parents said.
Claudia recalls fond memories at Little Lukes and is now to no
surprise looking to study Education in college. “I have had so many teachers who have helped me become the person I am
today and it goes all the way back to Little Lukes,” said Claudia.