The stars came out recently as the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) presented its second annual School 2 Life (S2L) gala at Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Talented local high school students and younger performers heard the news and traveled from throughout the Lehigh Valley to provide an evening of entertainment.

But the real highlight of the evening came with the dramatic finale performance by the S2Ler's (as they call themselves), when they ended the event with a rousing rendition of "Seize the Day."

In addition to the live musical performances, the gala included a basket raffle to raise money for S2L.

Joshua Moore, a 20-year-old from Bethlehem, has been an active member of LVCIL for three years. He graduated from Centennial School this year.

"I also attend a work program at Liberty HS," said Moore who works in the kitchen at Marvine ES and in the summer is part of the janitorial staff at Liberty.

Moore has won several medals at the Bethlehem Special Olympics in softball and soccer. His nickname is "Speedie," he says, because he is short but fast.

Moore was instrumental in setting up the raffle to help raise funds at the gala. His mom, Jacqui, said of Josh, "He helped to go out into the community and get donations. He even donated a gift card himself."

The gala was sponsored by Wells Fargo Community Relations Group, Wells Fargo Investment Advisors, and McDermott Investment Advisors, LLC. Other sponsors included Highmark, Inc., The Jeremy Carroll Foundation, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Carol Walck & Associates and the Frederick H. Bedford, Jr & Margaret S. Bedford Charitable Foundation, as well as a host of others.

In 2009, the organization started the S2L program to support young adults with their transition from high school to the "real world" and teach them essential job skills.

In its 25-year history, LVCIL has encountered many young adults with disabilities who have graduated without the necessary supports or skills to find a job, live independently, or be self-sufficient.

Seth Hoderewki of Whitehall Township is the current director of transition services at LVCIL. He also heads the efforts of the S2L program.