MITCHELL – On Friday, students across the three COSMOS (Collaboration of Shoals, Mitchell, and Orleans Schools) schools came together for a special event; a joint special education track and field meet.
There were 70 student participants between the three districts, with 150 student volunteers to assist with the event.
According to Emily Dykstra, Director of Special Education for COSMOS, planning for the event began last fall when she put together a planning committee including representatives from all three corporations.
“We met on a monthly basis to plan the event. This event would not have been successful without all of the hard work and support from our staff volunteers, student volunteers, and community sponsors,” she said.
Festivities took place at the Mitchell High School football field, where students competed in a variety of the usual track and field events, including long jump and distance races, as well as throwing events using tennis balls and frisbees.
There were also fun stations set up around the area with crafts and carnival games along with free hot dogs and snacks provided by the Mitchell Lions Club and Tri Kappa – Gamma Epsilon Sorority. Southern Indiana Classic Hits WQRK 105.5 was on site playing energizing music for the students to sing and dance along with.
“I am very pleased with how everything turned out. It was a wonderful day for all of our students,” said Dykstra.
One student from each corporation was honored with the Shining Star Award, which was presented by Jill Kluender in memory of her brother Jeff Tyree, who was a trailblazer for adults with disabilities and held a job at the Mitchell Jay-C Store for 26-plus years.
Prior to his passing on Oct. 6, 2022, Tyree was honored with multiple awards, including the LARC Outstanding Employee, Mitchell Citizen of the Year, various youth league service awards, and the Customer Service Award from Jay-C.
The winners of the Shining Star Award this year were:
- Brandon Downs from Orleans Community Schools
- Jakob Hack from Mitchell Community Schools
- Justin Montgomery from Shoals Community School Corporation
