Twenty students at Blaine High School recently sent an antibullying message with their presentation of "Tale as Old as Time: Standing Up for Yourself." The play was the work of students with developmental cognitive disabilities, who present an annual production.

"As we write the play each year, we like to use high-interest characters and write a story that has a moral that all children can understand," said teacher Carrie Holly. In this case, the characters were from "Beauty and the Beast."

In December, the students teamed up with teachers and other students to work on public relations, costumes and scenery. Meanwhile, the students practiced their lines, some using their own voices and some with the help of assistive communication devices.

Family, staff and students from all across the district attended the two daytime performances, made possible by parent and audience donations.

"Our students really enjoy the entire process and learn a lot," Holly said.