Driven to play

The Compass Academy in Conway partnered with The Auto Academy for a community car show fundraising event, bringing attention to a project that would extend its commitment to individualized learning into the world of play.

Becca Bolin (from left), Zachariah Draper, Lilly Gideon, MJ Nedbalek, Jaelyn Bolin, Will Boucher, Mason Wheat, Corbin Brock and Marc Hollander gathered around “The Green Machine,” a 2000 Volkswagen Passat that Nedbalek is restoring.

For Marc Hollander, owner of The Auto Academy LLC, the connection began before the car show. Through his business, he has been working with Compass staff and students to teach automotive skills. Helping organize the fundraiser offered another way to support the students he has come to know.

“What makes this event truly meaningful is giving those children an opportunity to have the playground that they deserve,” Hollander said.

James Coffman (from left) and Landon Fuqua, EMTs with Pafford EMS, joined Officer H. Harmann of the Conway Police Department’s Crisis Response team at the fundraiser.

Compass Academy is a private, nonprofit Christian school serving children with developmental disabilities and other learning needs. Its programs include kindergarten through 12th grade and support for students transitioning into adult life.

Before the event, Compass Academy had raised $ 41,000 toward its $ 250,000 playground goal, according to school director Courtney Williams. The car show added approximately $ 1,200, with support including a generous $ 500 donation from Nabholz. “Compass Academy is working hard to raise monies to build out a fully inclusive special needs playground,” Williams said. “This car show is one of our many-to-come fundraisers.”

Gary Reed showed off his 1940 Ford pickup in support of Compass Academy’s playground fundraiser.

Inclusive playgrounds create opportunities for children with different physical, sensory and developmental needs to participate together. Thoughtful design can support movement, exploration and social interaction, giving children more ways to build skills and friendships through play.

That focus on individual possibilities is familiar to Becca Bolin, Compass Academy’s adult program lead, who has been with the school since 2017. She describes the rewards of meeting students where they are and watching them overcome obstacles they once believed were beyond their reach. Along the way, the students become an inspiration to those teaching them.

“My heart is in special education,” Bolin said.

Hollander hopes the partnership also helps more neighbors discover Compass and the people behind its mission. For the school, the playground campaign gives the community a tangible way to help that mission grow—one opportunity to play at a time.

To learn about Compass Academy or ways to support its playground project, visit compassacademyconway.org.