Press Release
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Press Release 〰️
PRESS RELEASE
June 21, 2022
Independence Academy snaps up real estate
Autism School Acquires New Campus- Classes begin August 2022
Indianapolis, Indiana — The Independence Academy- a specialized middle & high school specifically developed for students on the autism spectrum today announced the purchase of a new 3-acre school campus. The 18,000 square-foot building is located at the corner of 73rd Street and I-465. The property was formerly the home of Olivet Nazarene University.
The process of optimizing the sensory friendly middle & high school will take 2 months, and classes on the new campus are expected to begin in mid August. Envisioned by Ruth Padgett & Susan Le Vay in 2008 Independence Academy became a unique school with specially designed academic support along with daily social, emotional, and life skills interwoven into the curriculum. The Independence Academy has grown into a haven for autistic student inclusion, independent social & emotional skill growth, and attainment of an accredited high school diploma.
“Empowering students on the autism spectrum in Central Indiana is both a point of pride and a much-needed specialized community resource,” said Marisa Gill, Independence Academy’s Director of School. “With the addition of our new campus in Indianapolis, Independence Academy is deepening our close bond with the city and autism families who live and work in surrounding suburbs. Independence Academy is eager to write our next chapter here and to keep contributing to the success stories of so many wonderful students on the autism spectrum.”
Press Release
March 23, 2023
Pacers host six local autistic students to practice, sign them to one-day contracts
Indianapolis, Indiana— As the double doors swung open on the northwest side of the St. Vincent Center, to enter the Pacers’ practice courts, the scene was very different.
It immediately became clear that this was no ordinary practice. And team practices are rare this late in a season.
Six high school students from The Independence Academy Innovative Autism School were seated at two tables with Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle at one end and Ted Wu, VP of Basketball Operations and Cap Management at the other. It was fitting for those two to be involved because these select students were able to sign one-day contracts with the team.
Each of these autistic students were handpicked for a variety of reasons — like being hard workers and good students.
Marisa Gill, the wife of former Pacer Eddie Gill, who you still see and hear on Pacers broadcasts, serves the director of the school and she helped organize this special interaction and unique opportunity.
“It was special, they went all out and I know all these kids had an all-around amazing experience of a lifetime,” Marisa said afterward over the phone. “We’re so grateful that they let us do it. It meant so much to the kids.”
Place cards with their name beside a Pacers logo was propped up in front of each student and there were even two microphones set up, just like a traditional press conference.
Each student was asked to say a few words, Pacers sideline reporter Jeremiah Johnson asked a few questions — and then two others spoke up. Myles Turner and assistant coach Jenny Boucek each asked a question, which was on brand. Those two have a great feel for the moment and the big picture.
Myles asked one student for his favorite brand of sneaker. “Nike,” he replied, which appealed to most of the Pacers roster.
About Independence Academy
Independence Academy is Indiana’s innovative school for students on the autism spectrum in grades 4-12. The Independence Academy is renowned as a specialized school for academic excellence, social and emotional learning. IA is welcoming, supportive, inspiring, and understanding. Whether a student is struggling academically or could be achieving much more- Independence Academy was designed to meet each child’s unique needs.
Press Contacts
Todd Root
Independence Academy
(317) 650-1652
Marisa Gill
Independence Academy
(435) 749-0309
Independence Academy Media Helpline
(317) 926-0043
Media Kit