A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Academy360 Upper School on December 4 to celebrate the opening of a 20,000 square foot addition to its current campus in Livingston, NJ.

A program of the nonprofit Spectrum360, the expansion furthers the organization’s goal of providing increased services for individuals on the autism spectrum. The new addition includes much-needed extra space for classrooms, specialist areas, sports and extracurricular activities for students and adults attending its high school and young adult program.

Staff, administration, families, government officials and partners gathered at the ceremony, which also included a tour of the new wing and refreshments catered by CulinaryAcademy360 Director Chef Mike Matthews and students.

During the ceremony Jill Hirsch, District Director for Rep. Mikie Sherrill, presented Dr. Bruce Ettinger, Executive Director/ Superintendent for Spectrum360, with a Congressional Certificate congratulating the organization for its commitment to helping New Jersey students on the autism spectrum or with behavioral and related disabilities through educational and therapeutic programs.

Livingston Mayor Alfred Anthony spoke to attendees about how Livingston continues to be a welcoming, inclusive and diverse community and thanked Academy360 for making Livingston a better town.

Also attending the ceremony was Rosie Driscoll, Outreach Specialist for Sen. Robert Menendez; Livingston deputy mayor Rufino “Rudy” Fernandez; and Livingston town council members Shawn Klien and Michael Vieira.

Read the great write ups from local news outlets TAPintoLivingston and West Essex Tribune.