In her 35 years as an educator, it would be an understatement to say that Vicki Evans has impacted the lives of hundreds of children. Even thousands would likely be selling the special education teacher short.

But a very tangible part of her legacy will be the Snoezelen Room at Rock Hill Elementary School.

Although it may have a funny name, the multi sensory classroom serves purposes that are anything but a laughing matter.

The room is designed to relax and stimulate students with multiple developmental disabilities. Scientific studies have shown that these types of rooms can have a tremendous impact.

The room includes a tent with a ball pit in, a leaf chair to nap in, a mirror ball hanging from the ceiling, a white parachute that covers the room’s ceiling lights to make them softer. There is also a beanbag with fiber optic light sprays for the students to discover, a voice-activated black light and timed diffuser fills the air with various scents. Machines that produce soothing white noise are also a part of the room.

All these items are carefully planned to stimulate a variety of senses for the students.

Evans worked tirelessly to see this dream come to fruition. She led the fundraising efforts and always championed the students who could have been overlooked and forgotten in some modern educational settings.

For her commitment and dedication to this project, Evans deserves to be recognized with this week’s “Good News, Good Neighbors” spotlight.

Although her retirement may leave a void at the school next year, the classroom dubbed “Ms. Vicki’s Room” will forever be a part of her legacy.