Eagles’ Darius Cooper and Miss Pennsylvania Victoria Vespico Visit Students for Autism Acceptance Month
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- Events
- SRSC
Elementary students across Downingtown Area School District (DASD) welcomed Darius Cooper, a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Victoria Vespico, Miss Pennsylvania, for special assemblies in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month.
The visit, organized by the DASD Office of Student Relations and School Climate (SRSC), supported the district’s ongoing focus on belonging and kindness.
Assemblies were held at Brandywine Wallace Elementary School and Lionville Elementary School, where students engaged in conversations centered on acceptance and building a positive school community.
During the program, Cooper shared his personal journey and encouraged students to lead with kindness in their everyday interactions. Vespico spoke about acceptance and the importance of making sure peers feel seen and supported. Students also took part in interactive games and participated in a Q&A session following the discussion.
“Today was so exciting. It was a blessing to be out here with the kids–they put a smile on my face. I love coming to these engaging events because, yes, it’s for them, but also for me,” said Darius Cooper.
To further support understanding of sensory needs, district staff introduced students to concepts related to noise sensitivity, including the use of noise-canceling headphones. Staff also modeled “quiet clapping” as a welcoming alternative for students to show excitement and support.
“Creating a school community rooted in kindness and understanding starts with helping students see and value one another’s differences,” said Justin Brown, Director of SRSC. "Experiences like this encourage our students to lead with empathy, build meaningful connections, and foster a true sense of belonging for everyone. We are incredibly grateful to Darius Cooper and Victoria Vespico for taking the time to visit our schools and support this important work. Their message directly reinforces our district’s commitment to ensuring all students feel safe, connected, and engaged, which is at the heart of Goal 1 of our strategic plan.”
DASD extends its appreciation to Cooper and Vespico for generously volunteering their time to visit and speak with students. Experiences like these help strengthen the district’s commitment to fostering connection and engagement while supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
