In a heartwarming demonstration of community spirit, nine-year-old Kaelyn Goodman, who lives with congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), had her dreams come true this Halloween, thanks to the efforts of students in her local area. Kaelyn, a fourth-grader at Babcock Neighborhood School in Florida, had set her heart on dressing as a “princess angel” for the school’s annual Trunk-or-Treat event held on 10 October. However, she was initially concerned that her wheelchair would prevent her from achieving her vision.
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The real magic began when 25 eighth-grade STEM students, who fondly dubbed themselves “Kaelyn’s Angels,” came together to turn her dream into a vibrant reality. They transformed her wheelchair into a stunning angel throne, allowing Kaelyn to embrace her costume fully and be the princess she always wanted to be. Kaelyn expressed her joy, stating, “They made my wheelchair into a beautiful angel throne, and I got to be a princess angel just like I wanted. My favourite part was seeing how they took my ideas and made them real — and the wings! I felt like a real princess.”
The collaborative effort was part of a larger Project-Based Learning initiative aimed at providing meaningful educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom walls. Lori McLain, the STEM director at Babcock Schools, highlighted the importance of the project, noting, “Kaelyn often gave up her recess to join the ‘big kids’ and be included in the design and decision process.” The eighth graders learned valuable lessons in adaptability, creativity, and sewing techniques, with McLain adding that the project fostered a sense of community and inclusiveness.
Shannon Treece, Executive Director of Babcock Schools, reflected on the project’s broader significance in a world often marred by negativity. “This moment reminded me of what I believe education should be: lifting one another up and empowering young people to make a meaningful difference,” she remarked.
Kaelyn’s parents, Jabori and Kathryn Goodman, expressed their appreciation for the students’ support and creativity. “When we learned that the eighth-grade STEM students were going to design and build a Halloween costume around Kaelyn’s wheelchair, we were incredibly touched,” they shared. They emphasised the importance of accessibility and inclusion for their daughter, stating, “These students didn’t just decide what they thought Kaelyn would like; they listened to her ideas, asked about her favourite colours, and genuinely wanted to know what she envisioned.”
The transformation of Kaelyn’s wheelchair into a beautiful angel throne was particularly meaningful to her family. “For Kaelyn, her wheelchair is an important tool that gives her independence when her muscles become tired. But on this day, it became part of the magic,” her parents noted. They went on to highlight that this project represented far more than a simple Halloween costume; it showcased the potential of young individuals to look beyond disabilities and recognise the person behind them.
Kaelyn’s spirit and determination shine through her family’s words. “She is funny, loving, outgoing, imaginative, and full of life,” her parents described her, adding how her resilience continues to surprise them. They remarked, “Living with a rare medical condition means some things require more effort for her than they do for other children, but she doesn’t allow her wheelchair to define who she is.”
The impact of the eighth graders’ generosity was not lost on Kaelyn. When asked about the significance of their actions, she poignantly stated, “Helping people makes them happy. Sometimes people need help doing things, and it’s nice when someone cares enough to help. The eighth graders made me really happy.”
As Halloween festivities came to a close, the emotional resonance of Kaelyn’s experience was felt not only by her but also by her community, serving as a reminder of the incredible things that can happen when kindness and creativity intersect. Kaelyn Goodman’s story is not just about a costume; it’s a profound example of how young people can come together to create joy and inclusivity, transforming obstacles into opportunities for celebration and connection.