"Prepare, adapt and overcome." That is the theme posted in the band room of the Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Panthers. And that is exactly what these talented and dedicated students and their teachers and volunteers did recently when they headed to Boston for a trip of a lifetime.

The Ohio State School for the Blind’s marching band headed for Boston earlier this month to participate in the Lions Club International Parade of Nations as a part of the Lions Club International Convention. The Marching Panthers marched on July 8 along other visually impaired performers from around world. The band placed 2nd out of all high school marching bands in attendance.

And OCSEA member Natasha Knight was marching right along there with them. As an Instructional Aide and marching assistant, Natasha works directly with the students to make sure they are in comfortable and in step during their performances. She has been a marching assistant for nine years. During out-of-town performances, each student receives their own marching assistant, which means lots of dedicated volunteers and staff are on hand. Other OCSEA members in attendance as marching assistants included other Instructional Aides, Rachelle Jackson, Olivia O'Hare and Cindi Swisher.

The band is led and inspired by Yolanda Johnson, Director and Jeff Schneider, drill writer and Field Director. But the volunteers in this program and school staff are integral to the success of this program. The goal of the band is to demonstrate the abilities of people with disabilities, serving as a model for visually impaired musicians to participate fully, and as an example to raise expectations of and for those with disabilities.

"It meant the world to me to see their faces light up with joy, almost two years in the making, to watch them participate in the parade and do all the things they experienced," said Natasha. In addition to marching in the international parade, the children, staff and volunteers visited the U.S.S. Constitution, performed at Fenway Park, and took a ride around Boston Harbor, just to name a few of the sightseeing adventures. The trip was financed by the Lions Club International and through student fundraising.

"This was a lifetime of memories. I love being a marching assistant and to watch the kids flourish. You just see them grow, performing is their sweet spot," said Natasha. "I’m just so proud of our kids. Our kids are the bomb," she said.

Natasha would like to give a HUGE shout out to all the volunteers, too many to name she says, for their time and support. She encourages OCSEA members and members of the Columbus community to attend their upcoming band camp performance on August 4. It will be held at Noon at the school located at 5220 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214. Students learn music and drill in four days during their annual band camp. Below are members of the Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Panthers with staff and volunteers in Boston. Natasha Knight, an OCSEA members and marching assistant is pictured far left. Marching at the Lions Clubs’ parade is significant because the organization is known throughout the world for their work to improve the lives of the visually impaired and prevent avoidable blindness.

Photo courtesy of the Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Panthers Facebook.