Press Photos by Marieke Andronache Families, staff, faculty, municipal and business leaders gather to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hillside School recently.

Sarah Yost, assistant manager, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, speaks about the work Hillside School does to help its learners overcome language-based disabilities.

Lower Macungie Township Commissioner Brian P. Higgins speaks about the important place the school holds in the community.

LEFT: Hillside School Head of School Jason Segger tells The Press small numbers is key to helping the students succeed and gain self-confidence.

ABOVE: Celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Hillside School with a ribbon cutting are, front, from left, Murtaza Jaffer, of EBC Printing and from the East Penn Chamber Board, Vanessa Rivera, of Univest Bank and second vice chair of the East Penn Chamber Board, Sarah Yost, of the Lehigh Valley Chamber, Charley Myers, of Barry Isset and vice chair of the East Penn Chamber Board, Jason Seggern, head of school, Payton, Julia and Gavin, students at The Hillside School, Julie Harakal, associate head of school, Michelle McGrath, of Air Products and chair of the East Penn Chamber Board; rear, from left to right, Andre Weller, of the office of Pennsylvania Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-187th, Brian Higgins, Lower Macungie Township Commissioner and Stuart Rogers, chairman of the board of trustees for The Hillside School.