Breaking Boundaries, Building Community

How One Seneca Alumna's Vision Became a Tradition of Inclusion at the Newton County Fair

Some of the most meaningful lessons don't happen in a classroom - they happen when a community comes together to ensure everyone has the opportunity to belong.

For the third consecutive year, the Breaking Boundaries program at the Newton County Fair did exactly that.

Created by Seneca School Board of Education member and 1999 Seneca High School graduate Sonya Bruegel, Breaking Boundaries provides youth with disabilities the opportunity to experience the excitement, responsibility, and pride of participating in the county fair in a supportive, welcoming environment. The program continues to grow each year, creating unforgettable experiences while proving that inclusion isn't about lowering expectations - it's about opening doors.

This year's event was made even more special by the incredible representation from our Seneca family.

A Legacy of Service

One of the most inspiring parts of Breaking Boundaries is the way Seneca alumni continue to give back. This year's event was made possible through the dedication of volunteers representing nearly five decades of Seneca graduates:

• Robbie Higginbotham – Class of 1977

• Sonya Bruegel – Class of 1999

• Seth Higginbotham – Class of 2008

• Kirsten Bruegel – Class of 2022

• Pax Bruegel – Class of 2026 

From planning and organizing to encouraging participants throughout the event, these volunteers created an environment where every student felt welcomed, supported, and celebrated.

Celebrating Our Participants

Seneca students and alumni proudly represented our district as participants in this year's program, including:

• Lili – Class of 2018

• Leila – Class of 2026

• Jaylee – Current Seneca High School sophomore

• Paxton – Current Seneca Intermediate 5th grader 

Whether showing animals, earning ribbons, making new friends, or simply enjoying the excitement of the fair, each participant demonstrated courage, determination, and joy throughout the event.

Creating Opportunities That Matter

One parent shared just how much the program has meant to their family:

"Our child has participated in Breaking Boundaries for the past two years, and each year the excitement grows. When we asked if they wanted to participate again, the answer was immediate: 'I'll be back next year!' Watching them experience the Newton County Fair in an environment where they feel confident, supported, and truly included has been incredible. Breaking Boundaries has opened doors we didn't even realize were possible. Sonya has an amazing gift for seeing potential in every child and creating opportunities that allow them to shine. We are so grateful for this program and everyone who makes it possible."

The Seneca Difference

At Seneca Schools, we often talk about preparing students to make a positive impact on the world. Programs like Breaking Boundaries remind us that impact begins with people who choose to serve others.

We are incredibly proud of Sonya Bruegel for turning an inspiring vision into a life-changing opportunity for families across Newton County. We are equally proud of the Seneca alumni who returned to volunteer, the students who courageously participated, and the families who continue to support this meaningful work.

Breaking Boundaries isn't just the name of a program - it is a powerful reminder that when a community believes in every individual, there are no limits to what can be accomplished.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the third annual Breaking Boundaries event another unforgettable success. Your compassion, leadership, and commitment to inclusion continue to make our community stronger.