Fourteen Special Olympics athletes were honored during a ceremony at Forest Park Middle School on Tuesday, Dec 2. The Special Olympics athletes, also known as the D91 Trailblazers, were recognized for their participation in floor hockey, rhythmic gymnastics, and track and field. The ceremony also served as a pep rally for Trailblazers who were set to participate in a basketball skills competition on Sunday, Dec. 7.
During the ceremony, all the athletes and coaches proudly wore T-shirts featuring the new Trailblazers logo, designed by third-grader Ryan O’Connell. Each athlete was accompanied by a special escort, including officers from the Forest Park Police Department, administrators and staff from Forest Park Middle School, and Mayor Rory Hoskins. Forest Park Middle School cheerleaders energized the crowd, rooting for the athletes as they entered the balloon-filled gym with their escorts.
Students who were recognized included Gigi Mason, Kayden Berry, Richard Bundy, Caroline Bundy, Katerina Espino, Wynter Fuller, Wendria Fuller, Grace Lindstrom, Emmanuel McCoy, Ivan Nhial, Chase Horvath, Karter Travis, Zoey Simmons and Carter Stewart.
District 91’s collaboration with the Special Olympics organization began in the spring of 2024. That’s when Amy Mills, a special education teacher at Field-Stevenson Elementary, launched the D91 Trailblazer program. During that first spring season, 4 D91 students participated in the Special Olympics Illinois Spring Games track and field competition. Since then, the program has grown to 14 students.
“The response from families has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mills said. “I think they have felt more included in the community and the schools as a result of being a part of this.”
Mills said the recognition ceremony gave the community an opportunity to applaud the commitment and achievements of the district’s Special Olympics athletes.
“In two years, we’ve gone from 4 to 14 athletes and we’ve won 40 medals,” she said. “That’s a pretty big accomplishment in such a short time.”
Fifth-grader Gigi Mason, who was escorted by Mayor Hoskins, was among the first four athletes to join the program.
“Watching her and her teammates being celebrated tonight has been amazing. I loved seeing the smiles on their faces,” said Danielle Mason, Gigi’s mother. “This program is kind of indescribable. It’s just so great.”
Another fifth grader who was recognized, Kayden Berry, said he was looking forward to participating in the upcoming basketball skills competition.
“Seeing him get honored was awesome” said Candra Berry, Kayden’s mother. “I thought it was beautiful.”
According to Terriyaka Watson, principal of Forest Park Middle School, the Trailblazer program has helped participants build confidence and created meaningful opportunities for general education students to support and encourage them.
“Tonight was special because it was an opportunity to get all of our students included,” said Watson.
Rachelle Ernst, director of engagement for D91, said the name Trailblazers reflects the bravery it takes to try activities that may feel unfamiliar or intimidating, and celebrates the strength and resilience D91’s Special Olympics athletes show each time they take that leap.
“The program recognizes our athletes for exactly who they are: talented, dedicated and inspiring,” Ernst said. “The Trailblazers name serves as both an introduction and a celebration, highlighting their willingness to forge new paths and honoring the athletes they continue to become.”
