2009 Summer Transition Program

Pictured above: the group poses with "Dancing with the Stars" dancer Tony
Dovolani.

The 2009 Summer Transition Program officially started Monday June 15 in beautiful Panama City Beach. Eight students are participating this year from 6 northwest Florida counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Calhoun, and Bay. The group got situated and toured the grounds of the Laguna Beach Christian Resort. Later in the day they visited Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Panama City for ballroom dance lessons.

Tuesday morning the group was awakened by the delicious smell of eggs, grits, biscuits, and sausage which had been prepared by one of the students. Cynthia Lyons, a counselor with the Florida Division of Blind Services, gave a wonderful presentation on Government today. Afterwards, the teenagers prepared their lunch and then visited the pool until it was time for their next dance lesson.

Today when the group went to Fred Astaire Dance Studio they had a surprise awaiting: "Dancing with the Stars" veteran Tony Dovolani was there and was nice enough to take some pictures and sign autographs.

The students have another exciting day planned tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Pictured above: the students introduce themselves.

Pictured above: DBS counselors and IB West staff hang out.

Pictured above: Getting ready to go in Fred Astaire for dance

lessons.

Pictured above: Ms. Alicia and Erin dancing.

Pictured above: the students dancing.

Pictured above: Alex, Cassie, Katie, and Darreck dancing.

Pictured above: more dancing at Fred Astaire.

Pictured above: the group enjoys a delicious breakfast.

Pictured above: Erin leaving the house.

Pictured above: Alicia, Megan, Erin, and Katie getting ready to

go to the classroom.

Pictured above: Jody and Cassie getting some orientation and mobility
instruction from IB West counselor Mr. Hulrick.

Pictured above: Erin and Megan.

Pictured above: The group awaiting DBS Counselor Mrs. Lyons.

Pictured above: Mrs. Lyons discussing government.

Pictured above: Mr. Hulrick and Ms. Mary in the classroom.

Pictured above: another classroom lesson picture.

Pictured above and below: the group listen to Mrs. Lyons.

Pictured above: Jody, Alex, Mr. John, Justin, and Ms. Elaine

enjoying the pool.

Pictured above: Megan cooking banana pudding, YUMMY!

Pictured above: Megan, Erin, and Alex discussing the group

project.

Pictured above: Mr. John and Darreck enjoying a daily living skills

lesson, cooking spaghetti.

Pictured above: The group getting ready for their next dance lesson.

Pictured above: Tony Dovoloni with his number one fan,

IB West instructor Mia.

Pictured above and below: Dancing at Fred Astaire.

Pictured above and below: More dancing at Fred Astaire.

Pictured above and below: Dancing at Fred Astaire.

Pictured above and below: Enjoying dancing at Fred Astaire.