The stands were filled Friday with cheering fans and adoring parents as the Poplar Bluff Junior High School hosted the Special Olympics, a tradition at Fred M. Morrow Stadium for over 25 years, according to education officials. Schools from all over the area attended the event, which was sponsored in part by the area Knights of Columbus. Troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E were also in attendance to assist.
Jennie Randolph, communication arts teacher and student council co-adviser at PBHS, has been a part of the school’s Special Olympics program since 2013, first as a caring student and for the past three years as a caring educator.
“We have so many junior high kids that come from class and watch and cheer them on,” said Randolph. “The mission of inclusion is long-lasting, and it’s an ongoing effort. So this day is the embodiment of that — striving toward inclusion and that everybody matters.”
Penny Williams, Special Olympics development coordinator, praised the school for its commitment to individuals with disabilities, saying, “Poplar Bluff is really a leader among public schools everywhere in the state of Missouri. They’ve gotten some recognition from our state Special Olympics Office indicating that they are a totally inclusive school.”
Williams also noted this is the second year the district has done senior banners for the Special Olympics Missouri athletes, just as they would for the other athletes in the school.
PBHS has been recognized for its outstanding commitment to individuals with disabilities for two consecutive years, winning the School of Character Award of Merit. Special Olympics Missouri presented the statewide award to the PBHS Student Council at the 75th annual Missouri Association of Student Councils Convention in Jefferson City last month.
“We strive to show others that not only are we all unique, but it is our uniqueness that makes us a better team and better leaders,” wrote student council member Aaryn Johnson. “It shows that just because someone was made a little differently, doesn’t mean that they aren’t just as, if not more, capable than the rest.”
PBHS junior Bryden Fuemmeler, who has been volunteering to participate in the organization of the Special Olympics activities since seventh grade, shared his experience.
“I love seeing the joy on the athletes’ faces when they cross that finish line, no matter what place they get, because everybody gets a medal if they race, and seeing them happy really makes me happy,” said Fuemmeler.
According to Randolph, the school will also host an inaugural athletic letter banquet for SOMO participants, providing the student-athletes an opportunity to earn varsity letters.
Randolph further noted a “spread the word to end the word” campaign was recently held, and they design school-wide assemblies and field trips to be inclusive.
“We love to help spread the message of unity and inclusion because at PBHS, we believe that everyone is important, no matter what obstacles they face and overcome,” wrote Johnson.
The day was an emotional and inspiring testament to the power of inclusion and the importance of recognizing the unique abilities of every individual, according to participants.