Stalker Elementary Takes Home Spirit Award at 2018 Special Olympics

Last updated on Friday, May 4, 2018

(BEDFORD) - For the past three days, five school corporations participated in the 2018 Special Olympics held at BNL High School.

"It went really well," said Mrs. Nolan, event organizer, Biology and Principal Biology Medical Science Teacher at BNL.

North Lawrence Community Schools, Mitchell Community Schools, Orleans Community Schools, Brownstown Central Community Schools and Eastern Greene Community Schools all participated in the Special Olympics along with adult participants from Garden Villa and ResCare. There were more than 400 participants to compete in multiple events such as 50 and 100 meter runs, frisbee throws, ball throws, self propelled wheelchair races, log rolls, standing long jump and relay races.

Participants competed in their age group of either elementary school, middle school/high school or adult.

"The first time we did the Special Olympics was in 1993 and we did it at Parkview Track for a couple of years," said Mrs. Nolan.

Since then the event has moved the BNL High School and grown.

"We had 400 this year. This was the biggest year we've had," said Jessica Adams, event organizer and occupational therapist with Joint Services.

Each participant had a Buddy paired with them through the games and the majority of the buddies were BNL High School students.

Matt Robins and Buddy, Lexi Lindsey

Mrs. Nolan said that the high school students that would like to help during the event must have good standing attendance and a good GPA. All classes, freshman to sophomore, can ask to be a buddy by sending an email to Mrs. Nolan telling her why they want to get involved and what their GPA is at that time. Students can also be picked by a teacher's request.

"You kind of know which kids are going to be good at helping. You're always surprised about some of the boys who you wouldn't think would be real parental. They just absolutely love it!" said Mrs. Nolan.

At the awards ceremony, participants received their trophies if they placed in their events. Some students were recognized for their hard work over this past school year.

Isaiah Gadd from Heltonville and Lauren Mathers from BMS were awarded the Andy Frye & Brandon Martin Physical Fitness Award for their achievements in their mobility and independence.

Xaeden Gilliam from Parkview Intermediate was awarded the Michael Harmon Communication Award for his improvements in his ability to communicate and skill with technology.

Xaeden Gilliam accepts the Michael Harmon Communication Award

The Henry Breeden Outstanding Achievement was awarded to Eli Stigall for his emotional growth this past year.

The Kenny Bradley Simpson Mental Attitude award went to Josh Pruett from Stalker Elementary for his outstanding strides in improvement and actions as a model student for children with autism.

Stalker Elementary accepts the Shannon Jones Classroom Spirit Award

Joshua Johnson from Brownstown was awarded the Special Education Director's Award for completing 100% of his goals this school year and his breakthrough achievements in his behavior and social skills.

Stalker Elementary School took home the Shannon Jones Classroom Spirit Award.

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