Physical Education Pupil Instructor, otherwise known as PEPI, is a student-led P.E. class that closes the gap between special needs students and general education students. Day-to-day class activities include kickball, soccer, badminton and more. However, the class is more than just playing games and exercising. PEPI allows for special needs students to socialize with a broader range of the Green Hope population, and for general education students to have a deeper understanding of inclusivity and different disabilities. PEPI helps both groups foster lasting relationships and make a difference in each other’s lives.
One way that students in PEPI get to feel a sense of normality and freedom is by joining varsity practices. The varsity volleyball team captain Taylor Bruce (‘25) describes how she enjoyed playing games with the students during one of their practices. “It was so fun practicing with them and teaching them new skills,” she said. “They were so excited to see us and talk to us.” Bruce emphasized the importance of PEPI students participating in a variety of Green Hope activities and talking to new people.
In an interview with the GH Falcon, Mrs. Carneisha Cosby, an ESL teacher and advisor for PEPI, thought it was a great way for students at Green Hope to form connections with students who disabilities. “What I’m hoping for is for general education students to recognize that PEPI students are just like them,” she said. “My hope is for students to realize they have a lot in common outside of learning.”
Cosby described PEPI as a great experience for both groups, especially for the special needs students. “In PEPI, they get to do things they’re usually restricted from, and it gives them a sense of normality. It lets them be free and have fun in a way that is adapted towards their needs, but is still similar to how other students do.”
As for members of the group, PEPI leader Vivian Bridgman (‘26) described being part of the class as incredibly rewarding. Bridgeman urges more general education students to join and reap the same benefits. “Spending more time with special education classes would enhance their understanding of the importance of acceptance and community and would result in friendships between both education types,” she said. “As you spend more time with them, you start to not see any difference at all as they become your friends.”
When asked about who personally impacted her, one of the first PEPI students who came to Bridgman’s mind was Jada Wilkins (‘25). “Jada has an undying passion for dancing. That passion has given me a new perspective and changed my outlook on life,” she said. “Her joy from dancing like nobody is watching taught me countless valuable lessons that inspire me to live my life to the fullest by being the best version of myself.” Bridgman described Jada as lively and an inspiration to many.
She went on to say that the students in PEPI affected her more than she could have ever imagined. “They have impacted me as much as I have impacted them. In PEPI, our bond is truly unbreakable.”
Throughout her time in PEPI, Jada formed close relationships with numerous Green Hope students. When asked about her favorite part of the group, she touches on her friends and teachers. “I like my friends. And I love my teachers because they are nice.”
The feeling of inspiration is shared on both sides. When students participate in various activities with the group, it helps to demonstrate true care towards the special needs students and make them feel part of the Green Hope community. By doing this, it leads to more positive influences to their lives by proving to them that they matter. Simply saying hi to PEPI students between classes or in the hallways can put a smile on their faces and make them feel appreciated.
PEPI connects various students around the school together and helps them to bond with one another. It breaks the barrier between students with special needs and students without them. PEPI is a unique mix of fun and impactful which is what makes it such a meaningful elective. There isn’t another class quite like PEPI at Green Hope.
