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When Sacred Heart School in Troy received a $5,000 check for finishing in second place at the Colonie Center School Bucks fundraiser, school principal Susan Holland had several ideas on how to spend the money. One came to fruition on May 28, when rock group Flame performed for the students.

Flame, which is based in Johnstown and performs popular rock and pop songs, is an 11-member group. All members are physically or mentally impaired to some extent. 

Since coming together in 2003, they have quickly become known worldwide, touring in California, Idaho and Paris.

"It's always important for the kids to see there's nothing you can't do with a little perseverance," said Ms. Holland.

Torch song
Members of the band, whose name was inspired by the Special Olympics torch, do not let their disabilities get in the way of what they love.

"The only limits that you have are what you put upon yourself," said backup singer Falon McBride.

At Sacred Heart, the band entertained a church filled with more than 200 students, teachers and parents, who danced and cheered to rock classics like "Shout," "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Mony, Mony."

At one point, all 175 students took part in a human train during a cover of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues."

The students appeared inspired by the band's success.

"It does make me feel good knowing that if you do have [a disability] you can overcome it," said sixth-grader Julianna Marchese.

Aiming high
"It doesn't matter who you are," added classmate Claire Chaisson. "If you shoot for your dreams, you can always make them."

The band recently signed a two-year contract with Interface Media Group and hopes to have a documentary about the band in the near future.

On this day, however, Flame's drummer, David LaGrange, was excited to play in the school's church.

"Being able to come here to this church, it is so peaceful," said Mr. LaGrange, who is both blind and mentally challenged. "And it's nice to see the little kids get motivated while you're showing them God's love." [[In-content Ad]]

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