At East Canton Schools, we are dedicated to helping every student discover their passion and purpose, in alignment with our district motto: Dream, Believe, Succeed. A recent example of this commitment comes to life through a unique and empowering initiative involving 7th grade student Vaughan Toalston.
Thanks to the guidance and support of Mrs. ReChelle Dougherty (Occupational Therapist), Mrs. Kristen Baringer (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant), and Miss Cindy Pacconi (Speech Pathologist), Vaughan has been given the opportunity to operate his very own coffee cart. This hands-on experience is helping Vaughan grow both personally and socially while building essential life skills in a real-world setting.
Each day, Vaughan takes orders, prepares drinks, and delivers them to staff and peers—an engaging and meaningful routine that enhances his communication, organization, and interpersonal skills. The coffee cart has become more than just a school project—it’s a space where Vaughan thrives. He feels confident, motivated, and proud of the work he’s doing, gaining valuable experience while connecting with others.
This initiative goes far beyond making coffee. It’s about building self-esteem, practicing purposeful communication, and encouraging independence. With each order served, Vaughan is making great strides toward the “succeed” part of our school’s vision.
We are incredibly thankful to Mrs. Dougherty, Mrs. Baringer, and Miss Pacconi for their dedication and care. Their efforts to create personalized, meaningful opportunities make a lasting difference—not just for Vaughan, but for all the students they support. Their work is a powerful reminder of the impact of nurturing belief in each student’s potential.
This coffee cart story is just one example of how East Canton Schools is helping students dream big, believe in themselves, and succeed in ways that are both meaningful and lasting.