The Rise School of Stillwater opened its doors for all to see on Friday.

The school hosted an open house for the parents, donors and the community to celebrate its opening. More than 200 people attended the event.

The school is dedicated to providing the highest quality education to children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities and children without disabilities. It is a non-profit organization designed to help children with disabilities acclimate to a normal classroom setting. Jimmy Gonzales and his wife, Mary, started the school for their daughter Mya, who has Down syndrome, after hearing about the success of the Rise School in Austin, Texas.

The event started with people mingling and taking tours of the new facility.

At 3 p.m., Christine Johnson, associate professor and associate dean of Human Environmental Sciences Research and Graduate studies, welcomed attendees. Johnson introduced the guests of honor: Marlene Strathe, interim OSU System CEO and president; Lt. Gov. Jerry Askins; Dr. Ramona Paul, Oklahoma State Department of Education assistant superintendent; Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing; and Sally Brown, wife of Mack Brown, the head football coach of the University of Texas. The Browns were instrumental in the establishment of the Rise School in Austin.

Johnson said November has been a landmark month in the journey of the schools formation. Two years ago in November, the Jimmy Gonzales family began to actively seek support from OSU. Last November, Boone Pickens donated $425,000 and later matched that donation when the community matched his original donation.

On behalf of the women of Phi Gamma Beta of OSU, Jennifer Heck presented a check for $8,000 to the Rise School. The money was raised at the annual Phi Gamma Beta Pancake Palooza. Students from OSU bought tickets to make the donation possible.

“Today the Rise School is reality,” Mary Gonzales said.

Her speech brought tears to the eyes of those in attendance. In her speech, Gonzales relayed the inspiration she has received from the people involved in this endeavor as she jumped into the cause with both feet in her daughters behalf. While everyone else saw a good cause and helped, her passion for this cause has made this day a reality.

“You inspire me, and I’m proud to call you friends,” Mary Gonzales said. “I knew Mya was born to change our lives but I thought it was mine and Jimmy’s only, but God had a bigger plan.”

Denney was able to observe classes and talked about how she witnessed a child out of control. A therapist took the child and had it back on task in 5 minutes. She said it is important that we don’t leave any child behind.

“This school falls very nicely into the No Child Left Behind laws,” said Dr. Ramona Paul, Oklahoma State Department of Education assistant superintendent.

Sixteen children are enrolled at the school, Johnson said. The school anticipates being at full-enrollment in a few weeks.

The Mya Gonzales Foundation and other donors have given $20,000 in scholarships. Stillwater will be on national maps because of the research that will take place at the Rise School.

A waiting list for next year has already been established. The school, at 1601 S. Main St., is for children aged 18 months to 3 1/2 years for early childhood development. The school has a working relationship with OSU’s education department and is open for OSU student observations.

“I’m so glad to see OSU students out here today,” Askins said. “I think this school is going to bring many opportunities for students.