A SPECIAL EVENT FOR OUR AMAZING WIZARDS

By CHRIS CONNOLLY

Magic occurs in room 154 of Washingtonville High School.  Students are pushed to learn hands on skills in the classroom. However, the magic trickles out of the classroom every week and into the Breakfast Bistro where students help run a business.  The teachers in room 154 give it their absolute all to have the students learn a sense of independence, and it is certainly being displayed. Understanding how to be a member of society in this competitive world we live in is imperative in this day and age. Luckily, Washingtonville has Ms. Girton, Mrs. Angelillo, and many other inspiring teachers to help with that notion.

CHRIS CONNOLLY FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

Aside from the ever popular Breakfast Bistro, another one of the activities that Ms. Girton’s students participate in to understand competition is Special Olympics.  Special Olympics was created by a woman named Eunice Kennedy Shriver to advocate for people with disabilities.  In Washingtonville, however, the event is run by Ms. Girton. “Special Olympics started in the 2006-2007 school year. It started at the middle school as a commitment to honor the memory of a former student with special needs who, sadly, passed away. The message that it sends out is wonderful and it is such a great cause,” informed Ms. Girton.  It is evident that Girton is extremely committed to make this day memorable for her students. 

There are many entities Girton has to coordinate in order for the day to run smoothly. “A team of athletes with special needs meet every Wednesday with student volunteers, staff members, and coaches who have trained with the Special Olympics organization in Track and Field and or Aquatics. We work on exercises, team building, and social activities that incorporate fine motor skills, physical activity, and hand/eye coordination. Athletes are prepared to compete in the Hudson Valley Region Annual Spring Games held each year at West Point. It is a great opportunity for athletes to exercise, socialize, interact, and make friends. The volunteers are extremely compassionate, patient, and kind.”   

On the big day, it is stressed that the absolute most important thing is to have fun.  Fun is easily found with a number of activities to compete in, Girton elaborates. “There are traditional events and modified events for each athlete, based on his or her functioning levels. Events include the softball throw, standing long jump, walking races, running races, relays, running long jump, and running triple jump.” There’s no question that every student will have a great time, but at the same time be in it to win it.

All of the students in Washingtonville can hardly wait to test their skills at West Point.  Kealen Toro, an experienced Olympian, is ready for yet another year. “I’ve been involved in Special Olympics for the past eight years. My favorite part is running and hanging out with all of my friends. I can’t wait to have a lot of fun this year.” 

One of Kealen’s friends, Chad Jackson, is just as eager to take the field. “I’ve been doing the Olympics for eight years now.  The events that I like the most are swimming and relay races. I really like doing all the activities with my friends.  It makes it much more fun!”

To add, Marisela Colangelo is practically jumping up and down with excitement! “I’ve been involved in Special Olympics for the past five years and I can’t wait to do it a sixth time. I  really like being able to exercise while making new friends from all over the places. It’s one of the things that I wait all year to go to!” No one can be oblivious to the excitement that all of these students possess; it is off the charts! 

Special Olympics is not just a competition, it is an awakening. It awakens students up to new people, imperative skills, and memories that will last a lifetime.  Students not only learn athletic skills, but also obtain new social skills to use in every day life. It is unquestionable that Special Olympics has the ability to change lives.