Skyline High School hosts hands-on carnival for students with special needs

T.Wall Foundation sponsors second annual community-building event

The Skyline High School gym was filled with laughter, encouragement, and lots of applause Thursday as the school hosted its second annual T. Wall Carnival, welcoming students with special needs from across the district and county for an afternoon of connection and fun.

Students arrived by bus to an enthusiastic welcome from Skyline cheerleaders and Marching Band members, whose spirited performance set an upbeat tone. Skyline athletes and club members had transformed the gym into a series of activity stations. Participants could get their faces painted, try wrestling and rowing, shoot baskets, toss footballs, play volleyball, and take part in many other hands-on activities, including a petting farm.

Skyline sports teams and student clubs helped lead each station, creating opportunities for visiting students to explore new activities while building friendships with high school mentors and teammates.

The event was sponsored by the T.Wall Foundation, founded by Tom Wall, a former special education teacher, Ann Arbor entrepreneur, and grandfather of a Skyline student. The foundation works with families in Washtenaw, Livingston, and Wayne counties who have special-needs youth, providing critical resources and joyful experiences for these youth.

Tom Wall and his wife, Marie, praised Skyline students for their hard work and Principal Casey Elmore and Athletic Director Delsie Sissoko for taking on the event, now in its second year.

Their son, Brent, said the event was a big success.

“We are so happy that Skyline opened its arms to us,” he said. “The staff and kids have made it beyond special. The Skyline kids have as much fun or more fun than the special ed kids. It’s a win for everyone involved.”